Public Enemy Fans Invest in New Album, Raise $50K in Funds

Seminal hip-hop group Public Enemy plan on releasing a new album, but there’s a catch. They are asking fans to fund the recording process.

According to british music magazine NME, the Long Island-bred crew has signed a deal with SellaBand, a self-described “fan funding engine” based in Amsterdam. Through the partnership, PE is asking its listeners to invest in the album in increments of $25. Depending on the donation, fans can receive a limited edition T-shirt, executive producer credits on the album or even visitation rights as the group record in the studio.

And it looks like the deal is working. Since opening the bidding last month, PE has already raised $50,000. Their goal is to generate $250,000.

The album, which is yet to be titled, follows up Public Enemy’s 2007 disc, How You Sell Soul to a Soulless People Who Sold Their Soul? —Max G