Chuck D — the pioneering rapper, lyricist and frontperson of iconic Hip Hop group Public Enemy — has been announced as the 2019 "Words & Music" artist at Cincinnati's Mercantile Library. The music legend and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer will be speaking at the Mercantile on Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets are $45 (it's free for Mercantile Libary members). Seating is limited; email [email protected], call 513-621-0717 or click here for tickets.
The Mercantile launched its annual Words & Music Lecture in 2017 with singer/songwriter/novelist Josh Ritter. Last year's Words & Music artist was Roots Rock/AltCountry/Americana/Folk hero Steve Earle. In a press release, the Library's executive director, John O. Faherty, says that with the series, "we wanted to highlight artists who understood the power and nuance of words when they are put to music."
"Chuck D's songs became anthems, from 'Fight the Power' to 'Bring the Noise' to 'Don't Believe the Hype,' his music challenged people and made them move," Faherty continues. "February 7 is your chance to listen to Chuck D speak about music, process, race, politics, and power at The Mercantile Library."
Copies of Chuck D's 2017 book This Day in Rap and Hip-Hop History will be available for purchase and to have signed at the event.
Here's one of Chuck's many masterworks:
