Public Enemy is a hip-hop group from Long Island, New York, and they currently consist of Chuck D, Flavor Flav, DJ Lord and The SW1 Group. They are known for their political songs and criticism of the American media. They were recently inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which makes them the fourth hip-hop group to be inducted. “Fight the Power” is their most well-known song, and it was commissioned by director Spike Lee for his 1989 film Do the Right Thing.
Fight the power!
We‘ve got to fight the powers that be.
Grammar: Have Got To
Use have got to for necessities or obligations. Use have got to for present and future obligations, and use had to for the past.
Subject + have got to + base verb
- I’ve got to study for my test tonight. I cannot go out with you.
- You’ve got to listen to this album tomorrow. It is incredible!
- He had to leave the meeting early. He did not want to miss his flight.
Negative sentences and questions do not use ‘have got to.’ Instead, they use have to.
Subject + doesn’t/don’t/didn’t + have to + base verb.
Does/Do/Did + subject + have to + base verb?
- I don’t have to study tomorrow. I’m free and available.
- You don’t have to listen to the album now, but check it out over the weekend.
- He didn’t have to leave the meeting early.
- Do you have to meet your friend at the airport?
Do the Right Thing
Do the Right Thing is a classic American film by director Spike Lee. In 1989, he asked Public Enemy to create a theme song for the movie. The video below is the opening credits for the film.
Discussion Questions
Public Enemy wants us to fight the power. What is the power? How do you fight the power? What do we have to do? Do you have to protest? Do have to sign a petition? Do you have to update your status on Facebook? Please write your comments below!