Revisiting old beats, rhymes, and theories and reinventing them anew, Chuck D here displays a confidence absent since Apocalypse ‘91, though Flavor Flav‘s giddiness is sorely missed. Public Enemy fans have waited 15 years for Rebirth of a Nation and with the addition of Paris, as well as guest spots by Immortal Technique, MC Ren, and dead prez, community is in full effect. Hearing Chuck rip through the rock-filled “Hard Rhythm” and Nation of Millions-esque “Rise” reminds us of his masterful poetics. This crew may not have another Black Planet in them, but this Rebirth can nevertheless instill fear in fake-ass emcees.