48) It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back

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Loud, obnoxious, funky, avant- garde, political, uncompromising, hilarious -- Public Enemy's brilliant second album is all of these things and, on nearly every track, all at once. Chuck D booms intricate rhymes with a delivery inspired by sportscaster Marv Albert; sidekick Flavor Flav raps comic relief; and production team the Bomb Squad build mesmerizing, multilayered jams, pierced with shrieking sirens. The title and roiling force of "Bring the Noise" is truth in advertising. "If they're calling my music 'noise,' " said Chuck D, "if they're saying that I'm really getting out of character being a black person in America, then fine -- I'm bringing more noise."

Total album sales: 1 million

Peak chart position: 42

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