Public Enemy Hit Hard Times With New Album

Hip hop veterans Public Enemy are having a tough time coming up with the cash required to fund their new album.

Chuck D, Flavor Flav and the gang signed a deal with the web-based initiative Sellaband, which allows artists to raise money from their fans in order to record a full album. Public Enemy need to raise $250,000 to afford their untitled new LP, but they are stuck on a relatively measly $70,000.

The New York crew managed to raise their first $50,000 quickly in the first few weeks, only for contributions to taper off leaving them $180,000 short of their target. Public Enemy are the first high-profile act to sign up to Sellaband.

The group were hoping to raise their total at $25 increments, with fans in return receiving a potential share of the album's revenue and limited edition merchandise. Those who make larger contributions may be eligible for executive producer credits.

Sellaband, based in Amsterdam, has been around since 2006. A new model, that which Public Enemy are struggling with, was launched in October and allows total freedom in an artist's funding and does not demand rights.