Public Enemy Raise $50,000 So Far for Fan-Funded Album

Since announcing their new deal with fan funding music site SellaBand, rap veterans Public Enemy have racked-up contributions worth $50,000 (£30,000) in less than a month.

SellaBand announced the rap collective's presence on the site on Oct. 6 in a statement detailing Chuck D and co.'s aim to raise a grand total of $250,000 (£150,000) in order to record their 13th studio album. Fans, or Believers as SellaBand calls them, can invest in the project in increments of $25 (£18).

In return for this, Believers of the group will receive a unique, numbered edition of the album as well as a pro ratio share of 33.3% of all net revenues generated by it.

Having once been considered worthy of attention from the FBI, Public Enemy's status as one of the most dangerous and successful groups in hip hop history has waned since their heyday. But despite this, 754 Believers have donated so far -- that's an average of $68 (£40) per Believer -- giving them a much needed boost in their quest to "break new sonic ground" with the forthcoming album.

Fans will be able to see what return they get when the album is released, which is expected to be some time in 2010.