Chuck D will receive the 2019 Woody Guthrie Prize, honoring the artistic pioneer’s long career of bringing social issues to light through his music, writings and activism.
The Woody Guthrie Center will present Chuck D with the recognition on November 16 at Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa, where the center is located. Ticket information will be available soon.
The Woody Guthrie Prize recognizes artists across media who have utilized their talents to speak for those without a platform. Past recipients of the award include John Mellencamp, Norman Lear, Kris Kristofferson, Mavis Staples and Pete Seeger.
Through his decades as a hip-hop innovator, founder of the highly influential group Public Enemy, member of Prophets of Rage and as a distinctive solo artist, Chuck D has deployed his art to bring to the forefront issues facing the African-American community. With an emphasis on social justice — told in Chuck D’s commanding voice with thought-provoking lyrics on top of a complex wall of sound that demand the listener’s attention — Public Enemy became one of the most recognized and revered groups in hip-hop and popular music at large.
“Woody was a fighter for the people, and Chuck D’s message has consistently aligned with Woody’s: choose a side, fight the power and work for a better world,” said Deana McCloud, director of the Woody Guthrie Center. “We are honored to recognize Chuck’s work as he shines a light on social and cultural issues through his words and encourages us all to take action for equality and justice. We know that Woody would be rapping right alongside him as he speaks truth to power.”
Born in Queens, New York, in 1960, Chuck D formed Public Enemy at the dawn of hip-hop, with the group releasing its debut album in 1987. Public Enemy’s first four albums were each certified platinum or gold, demonstrating that songs with a social consciousness could also be commercially successful.
