Chuck D Speaks Out Against “Burn Hollywood Burn” Misuse Amid Los Angeles Fires: “Learn The History”

Chuck D is speaking out against social media misuse of Public Enemy‘s “Burn Hollywood Burn” song as wildfires rage through Los Angeles. Taking to Instagram on Thursday (Jan 10.) in a joint post with Flavor Flav, the Hip-Hop veteran explained why the politically charged song has no business soundtracking clips highlighting damage and aftermath following the tragic events.

“’Burn Hollywood Burn’ is a protest song,” elaborated the 64-year-old on the tone-deaf usage.

“Extracted from the Watts rebellion monikered by the Magnificent Montague in 1965 against inequality when he said ‘Burn baby burn’ across the air. We made mind revolution songs aimed at a one sided exploitation by a[n] industry. Has nothing to do with families, losing everything they have in a natural disaster.” 

Chuck D added “PRAY 4 LA” in the comments, and continued to urge “Please don’t use our song on your reels and pictures of this horrifying natural disaster.”

“Burn Hollywood Burn” was initially released in 1990 in the group’s Fear of a Black Planet. Featuring Ice Cube and Big Daddy Kane, the track protested against Black actors in Hollywood being typecasted into stereotypical roles and targeted police violence.

“Many intelligent Black men seemed to look uncivilized when on the screen/ Like, I guess I figure you to play some jigaboo, on the plantation, what else can a ni**a do,” rhymes Big Daddy Kane, with the song ending with “F**k Hollywood, man.”

As of Friday morning, the widespread fires in Los Angeles are responsible for at least 10 fatalities, with a Los Angeles County fire official confirming an untold number of significant injuries were linked to two of the fires. Per CNN, about 153,000 people are still under evacuation orders with Cal Fire verifying it has battled at least 90 fires in the first 10 days of 2025. The largest so far is the Palisades Fire, burning more than 20,000 acres so far. It is now 8% contained.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra declared a public health emergency for California on Friday to address the health impacts of the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles County.

“We will do all we can to assist California officials with responding to the health impacts of the devastating wildfires going on in Los Angeles County,” detailed Secretary Becerra in a statement. “We are working closely with state and local health authorities, as well as our partners across the federal government, and stand ready to provide public health and medical support. My thoughts and prayers are with the people impacted in my home state.”

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