Home / Hip-Hop / It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back
It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us BackPublic Enemy
Hip-Hop · 1980s

It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back

Released 1988Hip-Hop
Start here

A dense, furious wall of sound from the Bomb Squad behind Chuck D's righteous fury and Flavor Flav's chaos. Politically explosive and sonically revolutionary. One of rap's most important records. Released in 1988, it's an early landmark for Public Enemy.

On vinyl: Vintage copies and modern reissues both circulate — worth comparing condition and remaster notes before you buy.

Add it to the collection

Vinyl and CD links go to Amazon search results; listening links open Amazon Music. New to Amazon Music? Start a free trial → As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases and sign-ups.

Tracks from this album on our lists

We don't reproduce full tracklists — only the songs from this record we've featured in our best-of lists.

More from Public Enemy — where to go next

If you have It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, these are the Public Enemy records worth reaching for next.

  1. 1
    It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back1988 · you're viewing this one
    Start here
  2. 2 Classic

If you like It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, try

Long Live the KaneBig Daddy Kane
Hip-Hop · 1988

Long Live the Kane

Big Daddy Kane

By All Means NecessaryBoogie Down Productions
Hip-Hop · 1988

By All Means Necessary

Boogie Down Productions

Strictly BusinessEPMD
Hip-Hop · 1988

Strictly Business

EPMD

Follow the LeaderEric B. & Rakim
Hip-Hop · 1988

Follow the Leader

Eric B. & Rakim

Straight Outta ComptonN.W.A
Hip-Hop · 1988

Straight Outta Compton

N.W.A

The Great Adventures of Slick RickSlick Rick
Hip-Hop · 1988

The Great Adventures of Slick Rick

Slick Rick