Flavor Flav Demands Total Gun Ban In Emotional Plea For Safer Schools
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on July 3, 2025 at 5:15 PM EDT
Flavor Flav is taking a firm stand against firearms, calling for a total ban on guns in a heartfelt op-ed.
The Public Enemy star’s essay comes in the wake of the release of the group’s new protest song, “March Madness,” which addresses the increasing frequency of gun violence in the United States, particularly school shootings.
The track, which was released in honor of Juneteenth, highlights the stark reality of gun violence, with the duo of Flavor Flav and Chuck D condemning the role of politicians and the influence of the NRA on gun laws.
Flavor Flav Takes A Stand Against Firearms In New Op-Ed
Flav, known for his outspoken activism, shared his personal history with firearms, including the time he spent in jail due to gun-related charges.
In the op-ed, published in Newsweek on July 2, he voiced his fears for his children’s safety, citing the disturbing rise in school shootings across the country.
“I fear for my kids when I drop them off at school,” Flavor Flav wrote. “Our schools aren’t safe and our kids aren’t safe. This is because gun protection laws are weak. Guns are falling into the hands of the wrong people. I would know. I went to jail because of guns … So I am speaking from firsthand experience.”
Flav Opens Up About Gun Violence In America
Flavor Flav's comments about the state of gun violence reflect his concerns for the safety of young people, and his belief that current laws fail to protect them. He also expressed his thoughts on the root causes of the gun epidemic in America.
“Back in the day, guns and drugs were brought into Black communities. It was a time when we were taught that guns and drugs equaled power,” Flav explained. “We all had guns. There was peer pressure; a gun felt like a necessity to protect yourself from gang wars. This helped create a system of criminals who were forced into legalized slavery.”
The rapper also discussed the broader issue of fear and power in American society.
“Fear and power are two of the biggest emotions that drive us,” he said. “America is being built on fear. You have people who are scared. And these people are fighting for gun rights to protect themselves. They wouldn’t have to protect themselves if all guns were banned.”
Public Enemy’s ‘March Madness’ Slams Gun Laws And Politicians
Flavor Flav's call for change is echoed in Public Enemy’s new song “March Madness.”
The track, which opens with a chilling 911 recording of a teacher reporting a school shooting, denounces the current state of the nation’s gun laws.
Chuck D’s verse slams “crooked politicians” for being too afraid of the NRA to act, while highlighting the absurdity of children fearing for their lives in school.
"Kids supposed to have fun, none of this ‘Run for cover for your life, son,’" Chuck D raps, underscoring the song’s urgent message.
Flavor Flav Highlights Dangerous Ease Of Gun Access For Kids
The essay also touched on the dangerous ease with which children can access firearms.
"Right now, it's too easy for kids to grab their parents' guns. They are motivated by fear of being disliked, fear of not being accepted, fear of being made fun of," Flavor Flav wrote. “It makes them feel powerless. Some choose to take their power back and show up those peers. This happens so often, we have started to become numb to it as a society.”
Flav hopes that “March Madness” will inspire a renewed conversation about gun violence in America and drive real change.
"I hope this song sparks change. I hope this anthem gives a voice to those who feel powerless against a system of power and greed," he said. “I hope we can come together to create a wall of unity with peace and togetherness that is so strong, no one can divide and tear us down.”
Public Enemy Drops ‘March Madness’ Amid World Tour
The essay and the release of “March Madness” coincide with Public Enemy’s ongoing world tour, with the group recently performing in Trondheim, Norway, as part of their opening act for Guns N’ Roses.
The song is part of Public Enemy's latest album "Black Sky Over the Projects: Apartment 2025," which was surprise-released as a Bandcamp-only digital download on June 27. This marks the group's first new music since their 2020 album "What You Gonna Do When the Grid Goes Down?"
As the debate surrounding gun control continues to rage, Flavor Flav’s emotional call for action stands as a powerful plea for change. Through his music and activism, Flav is urging America to confront its gun violence crisis before it’s too late.
