Chuck D is pleading with fans to stop associating the Public Enemy song “Burn Hollywood Burn” with the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles.
A number of blazes have been wreaking havoc across the city over the last week, claiming the lives of at least 24 people and destroying countless homes, schools, businesses and other buildings.
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Some trends on social media have seen the classic 1990 Public Enemy track used as the soundtrack to images and video of the destruction caused by the fire — something Chuck D is far from happy with.
In a post on Instagram, the rap icon urged people to stop doing this and explained the true meaning behind the political anthem, which features Ice Cube and Big Daddy Kane.]
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“‘Burn Hollywood Burn’ is a protest song. Extracted from the Watts Rebellion monikered by the Magnificent Montague in 1965 against inequality when he said ‘burn baby burn’ across the air,” he wrote.
“We made mind revolution songs aimed at one sided exploitation by a industry has nothing to do with families losing everything they have in a natural disaster. Lean the history. Godspeed to those in loss.”
In the comments section, Chuck offered a more direct order to his followers: “Please don’t use our song on your reels and pictures of this horrifying natural disaster.”
As the wildfires continue to cause widespread damage across Los Angeles to the estimated tune of over $50 billion, artists such as The Game have been on hand to support the city.
The Compton native has been on the ground supporting efforts from firefighters to contain and extinguish the blazes, which have burned down entire neighborhoods.
In various social media posts, The Game can be seen personally delivering food, water, hot drinks, blankets and pillows to firefighters on the frontline, as well as posing for photos with the crew.
“Me & my team have been down here with the brave men & women fire fighters on the grown day in & day out assisting anyway I can to make their days a little easier,” he wrote on Instagram. “The hearts & level of humility in each & every soul down here is a beautiful thing to witness & be a part of.”
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He added: “My heart goes out to each & every person directly affected & those watching from all over the world who are mentally in pieces over what has happened in my city. I am here for Los Angeles & I will always be here to do my part.”
