*In response to the tragic events of the past week, GRAMMY® Award–winning hip-hop pioneers and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame® inductees Public Enemy today announced the launch of the “March Madness” Music Video Scholarship Competition, in partnership with the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC).
The nationwide competition invites students to create an original music video for Public Enemy’s new track, “March Madness,” a searing protest anthem confronting political corruption and the ongoing epidemic of gun violence in America. Creativity, visual storytelling, and resonance with the song’s themes will be central to the judging criteria.
Two student creators will each receive a $5,000 scholarship. One winner will be selected by a review committee, while the second will be determined by public engagement across social platforms, including views and interactions. Both recipients will be flown to Los Angeles during GRAMMY® Week, where they will attend the BMAC Music Makers Event on Wednesday, January 28, and meet Public Enemy.
The competition runs from December 19, 2025 through January 15, 2026, and is open to students aged 18 and over.
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For the official “March Madness” music video, Public Enemy collaborated with a diverse group of student creatives, including Harvard University lyricists Anthony Bell, Ollie Marinaccio, and Rhiannon Rae Ellis, alongside acclaimed rapper and activist Dee-1, a recent recipient of Harvard University’s Hip Hop Fellowship at the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research. Additional collaborators include Sydney DeLeonardis and Ciaran de Chaud of Berklee College of Music, and Nigel Sanjai Sanders of Howard University—a recent graduate and son of NFL legend Barry Sanders—who produced the track.
All immediate proceeds from “March Madness” are being donated to the Black Music Action Coalition Human Rights Fund and Everytown, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to ending gun violence.
“Black Music Action Coalition is proud to partner with the legendary Public Enemy to give young creators a platform to use their voices and vision at a moment the world urgently needs it,” said Prophet, Co-Founder/ CEO & President of Black Music Action Coalition.
“As violence continues to impact our communities and the globe, this song’s message is more relevant than ever. This opportunity goes beyond creating a video…it empowers the next generation to speak truth, challenge the status quo, and reaffirm the power of music and culture to drive change.”
Completed videos may be uploaded to YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram Reels as public or unlisted links and submitted via the official competition form:
https://www.bmacoalition.org/publicenemy
Competition Details
Eligibility: Open to all students (18+)
Launch Date: December 19, 2025
Submission Deadline: January 15, 2026 (11:59 PM PST)
Engagement Cutoff: January 21, 2026 (12:00 AM PST)
Winners Notified: January 22, 2026
Prizes:
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Two $5,000 scholarships
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Travel to Los Angeles for GRAMMY® Week
Judging Criteria:
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Creativity and originality
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Visual storytelling and production quality
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Interpretation of the song’s themes and energy
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Overall impact and engagement potential
Submission Requirements:
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Original work created by the student(s)
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150–200-word written description explaining concept and creative choices
The competition will be promoted through social media, educational institutions, and cultural organizations. Participants will also have access to official Public Enemy content and interviews for creative reference.
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