Public Enemy

Peter Kramer, AP

Known for its street-oriented beats, Chuck D's controversial lyrics and Flavor Flav's clock necklaces, this pioneering hip-hop group became a driving force -- and a firebrand -- in the late '80s. While they are no longer the driving force of rap, they are still going strong, releasing two albums last year.

In their favor: Even though Flav faces prison time for an alleged October assault on his girlfriend, Chuck D said he stands by his bandmate and expects the group to continue. "We are the Rolling Stones of the rap game," he told the Washington Examiner. "Nobody can match my boys."
Biggest threat: Guilty on all counts.
Rating: 9.11 (is a joke)