North Columbus News

During Ohio State University's 53rd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, a discussion was held on the intersection of music and technology. College of Engineering Dean Ayanna Howard led the conversation with Chuck D, a notable hip-hop artist known for his work with Public Enemy. The event, organized by Ohio State's Frank W. Hale Jr. Black Cultural Center at the Ohio Union, honored Dr. King's legacy.

Summer Luckey, interim director of the Hale Center, highlighted the university's commitment to celebrating Dr. King's impact: “Since 1972, The Ohio State University has proudly celebrated Dr. King’s legacy, a leader who dedicated his life to the philosophical pursuit of love and justice.”

Ayanna Howard expressed her admiration for Chuck D and recalled how Public Enemy's song "Fight the Power" influenced her generation: “When ‘Fight the Power’ came out...Chuck D showed us how you can use your voice and your talent for activism through music.”

Chuck D shared insights into creating "Fight the Power," inspired by The Isley Brothers' 1975 song “Fight the Power, Parts 1 and 2.” He stated: “All the things that Ronald and Ernie Isley of The Isley Brothers said 15 years prior made all the sense in 1989.”

The musician discussed his fascination with technological advances in music distribution and emphasized using tools like artificial intelligence to enhance creativity rather than replace natural talent: “If you’re not on top of technology, it will be on top of you,” he said.

As hip hop celebrates its milestone anniversary since its inception in 2023, Chuck D noted technology's influence on its evolution: “Hip hop was a global code…to make people feel that they were important,” he remarked.