Public Enemy’s Flavor Flav is one of Hip-Hop’s all-time most recognizable personalities. While he only released one solo album, the man born William Drayton, III has brought mad flavor to classic P.E. records since the Long Island, New York group’s inception. He is a hype-man extraordinaire, and an MC, but many Heads forget that he began as a DJ.

Recently, in discussing the impact of some of his most memorable verses, band-mate Chuck D reminded all that P.E. was not a group of teenagers. Chuck, Flav, Terminator X, and others were all in their twenties when the group debuted with 1987’s Yo! Bum Rush The Show. Chuck (who was in Spectrum City) would meet Flav at Adelphi University on the island.

Rick Rubin Says Chuck D Thought Public Enemy Was Too Old To Sign To Def Jam In 1987 (Video)

On Adelphia’s WBAU station, Flavor Flav Heads can hear early Roxanne Shanté, Run-D.M.C., and some great circa-1985 Electro-Rap. Notably, this show reportedly ran at Friday morning’s from 7am to 9am. In the mid-’80s, Flav’ was not yet ready for prime time—something he’d soon prove otherwise. Around 8:15 in the 20-minute mix, Heads can hear Flav’s unmistakable voice. He plays with the beats and gets his hands busy in this great throwback relic.

Public Enemy’s 1988 WNYU Radio Concert Still Moves The Needle (Audio)

This was dubbed by Old En Why, who runs an incredible retro New York City site, Find Those Detonators. Within two years of this radio moment, Flav’ would be a Def Jam Records artist—launching a career that includes classic albums, reality television, and an eventual restaurant business.

Spotted at ego trip!.