Live Review: Public Enemy - Metro Theatre

Judging from the crowd of modern hipsters, enthusiastic oldies and grimy lads, it is evident that the music of Public Enemy speaks to everyone. Their persona is one that is constructed to be presented live – it is direct, outspoken, challenging, fun and knows no bounds. The crew brought the same power, brutality and controversy to the stage in 2012 as they would have practiced in the 1980s, demonstrating why they have shaped the model of modern hip hop today and hold the position as one of the most influential rap groups of all time.

Introducing Public Enemy was Melbourne artist Seth Sentry who, although he was rather unfitting for this position, provided a pleasant and mellow start to the evening with relaxed rhymes and a laidback attitude. Effortlessly spitting out The Waitress Song, Seth Sentry's lyricism brings his playful and laidback personality to the fore as he works this into his music.

As Public Enemy's Chuck D triumphantly hit the stage busting out Public Enemy No. 1 with his camo-clothed dancers, we could feel that tonight was all about the Beastie Boys and the sad passing of Adam 'MCA' Yauch. Eventually fellow MC Flava Flav burst onto the stage sporting his signature clock neck-piece and began harshly smashing out the lyrics to Rebel Without A Pause whilst animatedly jumping around the stage. “The first tour that Public Enemy went on as a professional group was Licensed To Ill with the Beastie Boys,” Flav yelled, “Rest in peace, MCA!”

Chuck D and Flav are the ultimate odd couple – the former is calculated, slick and straightforward while the latter is uninhabited, rowdy and reckless – but somehow they perfectly compliment each other and create a perfect balance. Flav experimented with both the bass and drums, putting his endearingly amateur instrumental skills to work. As Chuck D spluttered Can't Truss It, Flava stood behind him, dramatically leaping around the stage to the syncopated beat, intermittently chanting “Can't Truss It” into the mic.

As the two-hour show came to its end and the venue curfew had possibly passed, a passionate Flav stood on the stage speaking directly with his audience on politics, peace and equality until members of his crew eventually pulled him off stage and the crowd was left amused, enlightened and inspired.