Public Enemy
ListenLies · extended version · 1984
Spectrum City — “Lies,” extended version, 1984.
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1984 · Vanguard
Lies
Chuck D first approached Spectrum City with an offer to design flyers and logos. Hank Shocklee heard him on the microphone and had another role in mind. “Lies,” the collective’s 1984 Vanguard single, preserves that early chapter in the story that led to Public Enemy. [1] [2]
| Accession | OMMA-0029 |
|---|---|
| Artist | Spectrum City |
| Release | 1984 · United States |
| Label | Vanguard · VSD 35248 |
| Format | 7-inch vinyl single · 45 rpm |
| Issue | Promotional copy · same song on both sides |
| Runouts | Not documented |
| Recorded grade | NM |
Release history and significance
Spectrum City was an organised Long Island DJ collective before it was a recording name. Chuck D admired the teamwork and the way Hank Shocklee’s crew ran its events. He offered his skills as a graphic designer; after hearing him emcee, Shocklee encouraged him to join the performance. [1]
His microphone partner was Aaron Allen, known as Butch Cassidy. Allen recalled arriving at an Adelphi University event in a cowboy hat, performing a Bootsy Collins-style introduction and winning over the crowd. Chuck gave him the Butch Cassidy name, and a tape of the performance helped persuade Hank and Keith Shocklee to bring him into the group. [2]
Allen remembered Timothy Olphie bringing Spectrum City to Vanguard, where he and Chuck recorded “Lies” and “Check Out the Radio.” The promotional seven-inch featured here places the 4:05 edit of “Lies” on both sides. The label credits Ray “Pinky” Velazquez as producer and Olphie as associate producer, with writing credited to Carlton Ridenhour, Keith and Hank Boxley, and Aaron Allan. [2] [3]
The record catches Public Enemy’s history while its participants were still working under another name. Allen’s recollections also restore a voice often misidentified on the recording: the other rapper is Butch Cassidy, while Flavor Flav was then helping Spectrum City as a roadie. [2]
Market context
Discogs lists sales for the seven-inch promotional edition from US$30 to US$135.14, with a median of US$58.48, as recorded on 13 September 2026. [3]
Physical Description
Black vinyl with white Vanguard labels. The photographed side states “PROMOTIONAL COPY,” “NOT FOR SALE,” “45 RPM” and “STEREO,” with catalogue identifier VSD 35248-A and a running time of 4:05.
Condition
Recorded as Near Mint.
Provenance
Acquired through Discogs from seller goldengaterecords on 22 July 2025.
Sources
- Oumar Saleh interviews Chuck D, We’ve Got a File on You, Stereogum. Chuck D recalls offering his design skills and joining Spectrum City as an MC.
- JayQuan interviews Butch Cassidy of Spectrum City and 5-0. Firsthand account of joining Spectrum City, the Vanguard recordings and the group’s personnel.
- Discogs, Spectrum City — Lies, release 1255733. VSD 35248 seven-inch promotional edition, same-track sides, label credits and sales history.
Catalogue text reviewed 13 September 2026.