STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Chuck D Reveals Flavor Flav Beef Was A Hoax

“I was tired of [bullsh**]. Tired of hip-hop always getting a bad look as its only narrative…”

In March, an unexpected opposition popped off between Public Enemy members Chuck D and Flavor Flav after the former proclaimed that the historic rap duo was parting ways with their longtime hype man following a dispute between Flav and Chuck.

  • It all started with a Public Enemy Radio (an off-shoot of the group that is made up of Chuck, DJ Lord, Jahi and the S1Ws) performance at a Bernie Sanders rally in Los Angeles. Flav objected and had his lawyer put out a statement claiming that Chuck D did not have permission to use the group’s imagery without his permission. In response, Public Enemy announced in a statement that the group was “moving forward” without Flavor Flav, essentially firing him.

    However, it appears their public spat was all just a ruse.

  • On Tuesday (March 31), Chuck released a statement revealing that Flav’s firing was a “hoax” inspired by Orson Welles infamous 1983 ‘War Of The Worlds’ broadcast. “The HOAX was a hoax for a reason….I was tired of bulsht. Tired of Hip Hop always getting a bad look as its only narrative while the good news never made the news,” Chuck expressed. “Hearing the confused mush of political talk while under the bowels of Trumpotus made me use a presidential stage as my platform. Out of this storm came a plan between Flav and me to remind people that what’s important should have as much, if not more, value than just what’s popular. Thus came the HOAX, our ‘War Of The Worlds.’ Believe half of what you hear and NONE of what you see.”

    In closing, he revealed that Public Enemy Radio, Flav included, is dropping their debut album, Loud Is Not Enough. Their first single off the album, “Food As A Machine Gun,” is slated to come out soon.

  • Additionally, UPROXX uploaded a 9-minute preview for Chuck’s upcoming episode of People’s Party With Talib Kweli where he revealed that he and Flav anticipated the media and public’s reaction. And thus, they staged the affair accordingly for maximum shock value.

    “We already talked about this beforehand. Public Enemy Radio went up, his lawyer sent out a cease and desist. I’m like, ‘Good move.’ Then publicly, ‘Man you don’t f**kin’ sue me gain.’ He ain’t suin’ me. But I can say it!....We knew what was gonna come. I’m not saying it’s a hoax. I’m saying that the original intention is to get your attention and not play attention. Get you to pay attention,” Chuck clarified. He also spoke on Flav's assertion that he can’t be fired from the group. “He can’t! He’s a partner,” Chuck agreed. “You don’t fire partners.” As a matter of fact, Chuck said that his relationship with Flav is “better than ever.”

    Welp, there you have it folks. Listen to Chuck D break down how his and Flavor Flav’s plan came together: 

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.