"He Got Game" is a 1998 single by Public Enemy, featuring Stephen Stills. It served as the title track for the soundtrack of Spike Lee's film of the same name and was released under Def Jam Recordings.

Sample: The track is built around a prominent sample of Buffalo Springfield's 1966 hit "For What It's Worth," which was written by Stephen Stills.

Release Date: The single was released on May 2, 1998, shortly after the album's debut on April 28.

Chart Performance: It was a significant hit in the United Kingdom, peaking within the top 20 of the UK Singles Chart.

Production: The song was produced by the group's legendary production team, The Bomb Squad, along with Abnes Dubose.
Formats: It was released in various formats, including CD single, maxi-single, and 12" vinyl.

The soundtrack marked Public Enemy's final release for Def Jam for over two decades, until their return to the label in 2020. It is often cited by critics as a return to form for the group, praised for Chuck D's lyricism and the more melodic, sample-heavy production.

• Chuck D: Lead vocals and lyrics.


• Flavor Flav: Vocals and ad-libs.


• Stephen Stills: Provided both featured vocals and guitar. He re-sang parts of his original 1966 song "For What It's Worth" specifically for this track.


• Voices of Shabach Community Choir: Provided the gospel-style choral backing.

Instrumental & Technical Credits

• Kerwin Young: Played bass and keyboards.


• Johnny Juice Rosado: Responsible for the scratching and turntable work.


• The Bomb Squad: The production team led by Hank Shocklee and Keith Shocklee, along with D.R. Period.


• House of Tre (House of Tye): Credited for the musical arrangements.

She Got Game (2026)

In February 2026, Public Enemy released "She Got Game," a modern reimagining of their 1998 classic "He Got Game" transformed into a women's empowerment anthem.

The track debuted on February 4, 2026, coinciding with National Girls and Women in Sports Day.

The project was spearheaded by Flavor Flav, following his high-profile support for the U.S. Women's Olympic Water Polo team and his role as an official "hype man" for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

All proceeds from the single benefit the Women’s Sports Foundation and the Black Music Action Coalition’s Female Fund.

Musical Collaborators
The track features an all-female ensemble of musicians and athletes:

Vocals: Rapper and basketball star Flau’jae Johnson and author/lyricist Retina MC.

Instrumentation: Features Cindy Blackman Santana on drums, Blu DeTiger on bass, Grace Bowers on guitar, and Olympic medalist Elizabeth Beisel on violin.

Intro: The song opens with an excerpt from Gloria Steinem’s famous 1971 "Address to the Women of America" speech.