The pioneering Public Enemy frontman and Air America radio commentator spoke Wednesday night at the Kansas Union, touching on a wide variety of topics, including the history of hip-hop, the “Pied Piperism” of corporate pop culture and the depictions of blacks in the media.

“‘Thug life’ has a river into the minds of the nation : as opposed to black collegians,” Chuck D said. “That story is not being told, of people trying to lift their minds up, trying to lift their spirits up.”

The event was sponsored by KJHK and Student Union Activities. Organizers said they sold more than 700 tickets for the lecture.