Harder Than You Think

“Harder Than You Think,” released in August 2007 as the first single from Public Enemy’s 20-year milestone album, galvanized listeners with Chuck D’s defiant rap and layered production by Gary G-Wiz. Its horn-rich beat bolsters a message of endurance and power—qualities the group had personified since rising in the politically charged late ’80s. The song blends cutting-edge East Coast hip-hop with a sample from Shirley Bassey’s “Jezahel,” symbolizing the collision of rebellion and artistry. Over time, it transcended its release era, re-emerging in the UK as a Paralympic anthem and cultural rallying cry.