Public Enemy performs medley on Kimmel, backs host amid controversy

Public Enemy performed a three-song medley and publicly expressed support for Jimmy Kimmel on Monday night as Jimmy Kimmel Live began a week of shows at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. The hip hop group, appearing as the program's musical guest on September 29, opened with Dont Believe the Hype, inserted a new song from their latest record, and closed with their protest anthem Fight the Power while Flavor Flav addressed the host directly.

"Hey yo Jimmy Kimmel, we are Public Enemy and I just want you to know that Public Enemy always got ya back," Flavor Flav shouted as the set began, then turned to reveal Fight the Power printed on the back of his jacket before the band launched into the classic. The medley included The Hits Just Keep on Comin, a recent single tied to Public Enemy's newest album, Black Sky Over the Projects Apartment 2025, which the group released unexpectedly on Bandcamp in June.

The appearance marked a blend of the group's catalog and new material and came amid controversy surrounding Kimmel earlier this month. The host was briefly suspended by his network after remarks about conservative commentator Charlie Kirk prompted criticism and pressure from political...