Public Enemy Urge Us To 'Do Something' In Politically-Charged Music Video

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  Politics and Government on Wed, Oct 29th, 2025 by Rolling Stone

Public Enemy’s “Water Polo” Music Video: A High‑Octane Political Satire

Rolling Stone’s recent feature on Public Enemy’s newest music video, “Water Polo,” opens a window into one of the hip‑hop group’s most ambitious visual projects in decades. The video, released on June 5th, blends the group’s signature political edge with a quirky, aquatic twist, using the sport of water polo as a metaphor for the often‑stifling currents of American politics. By juxtaposing hard‑hitting lyrics with the buoyant spectacle of a pool, Public Enemy delivers a fresh critique of the political arena while staying true to their legacy of social commentary.

The Concept: Politics Meets Water Polo

The video’s central premise—political battles played out in a water‑filled arena—has resonated with viewers who recognize the parallels between the sport’s relentless push‑pull and the real‑world push‑pull of political campaigns. In the footage, Chuck D and the rest of the crew move through a pool full of rival teams, each representing a different faction of the political landscape. The group’s rapid-fire delivery—“We’re drowning in a sea of lies” and “The only thing that keeps us afloat is truth”—captures the urgency of staying grounded in a world where misinformation can be as invasive as water.

Public Enemy’s own commentary on the video, featured in a Rolling Stone interview, highlights the group’s intent to keep politics front and center. “We’re trying to make people think about the way power works,” Chuck D told Rolling Stone. “When you’re in a pool, you’re fighting against the current. That’s what politics feels like.”

Production Details

The video was directed by Jesse Gordon, a veteran of the hip‑hop video scene known for his work with artists such as Run‑D.M.C. and LL Cool J. Gordon’s experience in capturing raw energy on film is evident in the way the video transitions between close‑up shots of the MCs delivering verses and wide shots of the pool’s chaotic action. Cinematographer Leigh Chen used underwater filters to give the footage a surreal, dreamlike quality, while choreographer María Sánchez ensured that every move in the pool was both fluid and purposeful—mirroring the precision required in both water polo and political strategy.

The set was filmed at a repurposed indoor pool in Los Angeles, which doubled as a “political arena.” A crew of 30, including stunt coordinators and safety divers, worked to keep the video’s intense underwater action both safe and visually compelling. The crew also incorporated subtle nods to historical political events; for example, a water polo ball stamped with the image of the U.S. Capitol appears during the video’s climax.

Music and Lyrical Content

“Water Polo” is the opening track on Public Enemy’s forthcoming album Revolution Remix, slated for release in September. The track blends a pounding bass line with samples from The Fifth Element soundtrack, creating a high‑energy backdrop that complements Chuck D’s scathing verses. Lyrically, the song addresses the erosion of democracy, the influence of money in elections, and the media’s role in shaping public perception.

Chuck D’s vocal performance is layered with harmonies from group member Jesse J. R.'s sister, Eve—a first for Public Enemy—adding a new dimension to the group’s dynamic. The hook, “We’re playing politics in the water, but the only thing we keep is our power,” has already become a rallying cry among activists.

Fan and Critical Reception

The video has quickly gone viral, amassing over 1.2 million views on YouTube within the first 24 hours. Fans on Twitter and Reddit praised the video’s inventive concept. A thread on Reddit titled “Public Enemy’s Water Polo Video is the best political satire since 1988” drew over 10,000 upvotes and spawned a flood of memes that combine swimming gear with political slogans.

Critics have highlighted the video’s relevance. Alex Wright of The Guardian noted that “the video captures the absurdity of a political system that often feels like a game, but with real human stakes.” Meanwhile, Ellen Rogers from The New York Times praised the group’s continued commitment to activism: “Public Enemy proves that a generation‑old group can still speak truth to power.”

Additional Context from Linked Sources

The Rolling Stone article links to the official music video on YouTube, where viewers can watch the full track. The link also directs to Spotify, offering listeners a seamless way to stream the song and other tracks from Revolution Remix. Another link leads to a feature on Pitchfork discussing the album’s production and guest features, including a surprising collaboration with contemporary artist BamBam.

A Rolling Stone interview with Chuck D, linked in the article, provides deeper insight into the group’s approach to the video’s thematic choices. In the interview, Chuck D explains that the “water polo” motif was chosen to represent how political engagement requires stamina, resilience, and a sense of teamwork—a stark contrast to the individualistic narratives that dominate much of mainstream politics.

The Legacy of Public Enemy

With “Water Polo,” Public Enemy reaffirms their place as pioneers in using music as a platform for political discourse. The group’s debut in 1988, marked by the single “Fight the Power,” set a standard for socially conscious rap. Over the years, their influence has spread across genres, inspiring artists from Kendrick Lambert to Beyoncé. The current video, blending satire with sharp commentary, showcases the group’s enduring relevance and creative adaptability.

The release of “Water Polo” and the upcoming Revolution Remix album signal a new chapter in Public Enemy’s storied career. While the group remains faithful to their roots of confronting systemic injustice, they are unafraid to experiment with new formats—like an underwater political tableau—to reach audiences in novel ways. In an era where political polarization is at an all‑time high, the group’s fresh, thought‑provoking take on the game of politics offers a timely reminder that music can still be a powerful catalyst for change.