Back in 1991, a groundbreaking collaboration between thrash metal band Anthrax and hip-hop pioneers Public Enemy resulted in a genre-defying rendition of Bring the Noise.
This fusion not only bridged the gap between metal and rap but also paved the way for the emergence of rap-metal and nu-metal genres in the late 1990s. Bring The Nouse remains one of the most influential cross-genre collaborations in music history.
Origins of the Collaboration
Anthrax’s affinity for hip-hop was well known, with guitarist Scott Ian being an avid fan of the genre. The band had already incorporated hip-hop elements into their music, such as the track I’m the Man, which fused rap-style vocals with metal riffs. Meanwhile, Public Enemy had cemented themselves as one of the most politically charged and sonically groundbreaking hip-hop groups of all time.
The initial connection between the two bands occurred when Public Enemy referenced Anthrax in the lyrics of the original Bring the Noise, a nod that resonated deeply with the metal band.
“Beat is for Eric B. and LL as well, hell
Wax is for Anthrax, still it can rock bells
Ever forever, universal, it will sell”
Inspired by this acknowledgment, Anthrax began experimenting with a metal version of the song during their Persistence of Time sessions. They recorded a rough demo with Scott Ian handling the vocals and sent it to Public Enemy’s frontman, Chuck D.
Chuck D was initially surprised by the idea but soon embraced it. Public Enemy had long used bombastic, layered production that borrowed from rock and metal aesthetics. The energy of Anthrax’s thrash metal instrumentation provided a new sonic platform for Bring the Noise, amplifying its rebellious spirit. This led to a joint recording session at Conway Studios in Hollywood, where the two groups combined their strengths to reimagine the song in a way that had never been done before.
Recording and Reception
The result was a powerful track that seamlessly blended aggressive guitar riffs with rap vocals, challenging genre boundaries and setting a precedent for future collaborations between hip-hop and rock artists. The official music video featured a mix of metal and hip-hop fans, symbolising the unity and mutual respect between the two genres.
When released as a single in 1991, Bring the Noise became an instant hit. It received heavy airplay on MTV and radio stations across multiple formats, despite not fitting neatly into any specific category. The song charted on both rock and rap charts, marking a rare crossover success at the time. This mainstream recognition helped expand the reach of both Anthrax and Public Enemy, exposing metalheads to hip-hop and vice versa.
The Groundbreaking Joint Tour
Following the song’s success, Anthrax and Public Enemy embarked on a historic tour together, performing Bring the Noise live on stage to mixed crowds of metal and rap fans. The energy of these performances was electric, as mosh pits and breakdancing coexisted in the same venue. This tour further proved that metal and hip-hop were not at odds but could thrive together, inspiring future collaborations between artists in both worlds.
At the time, the idea of a metal band touring with a rap group was unheard of, but the experiment paid off. The shows demonstrated the universal appeal of both genres and laid the foundation for later acts like Rage Against the Machine, Limp Bizkit, Korn, and Linkin Park, who took inspiration from the Bring the Noise collaboration and helped popularize the rap-metal sound in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Legacy and Influence
Today, Bring the Noise is recognised as a landmark track in both rock and hip-hop history. The collaboration proved that different musical genres could blend successfully, breaking down cultural and racial barriers in the music industry. Artists like Jay-Z and Linkin Park, Travis Scott and Ozzy Osbourne, and Run-D.M.C. with Aerosmith all owe a debt to the trailblazing work of Anthrax and Public Enemy.
Even decades later, the song continues to be celebrated. Anthrax and Chuck D have occasionally performed the track together at special events, keeping its legacy alive. The influence of Bring the Noise can also be heard in the modern rap-rock resurgence, where artists are increasingly blending heavy guitars with hip-hop beats.
Why This Collaboration Still Matters
Decades later, Bring the Noise remains a testament to the power of musical innovation. It wasn’t just a song—it was a cultural shift that challenged genre boundaries and united fans of different backgrounds. The collaboration between Anthrax and Public Enemy proved that music has no limits and that the best moments often come from unexpected partnerships.
For fans of both metal and hip-hop, Bring the Noise is more than just a track—it’s a defining moment in music history. Whether you were there when it happened or discovered it later, its impact continues to be felt across generations.