Before RAP knew its name, there was a group of ambitious young men who reflected the harsh spirit of their times and whose work remains prophetic and inspirational today. The Last Poets started out in the late sixties, speaking out as few other musical groups had, or have since, about racism, poverty and other African American and societal concerns. RAPPERS of the civil rights era, The Last Poets’ charge has been taken up by many contemporary artists who have felt the legendary group’s influence.
Members
Abiodun Oyewole, David Nelson and Gylan Kain were born as The Last Poets on May 19, 1968 (the anniversary of Malcolm X’s birthday) in Mount Morris Park in Harlem, New York. They evolved from three poets and a drummer to seven young black and Hispanic poets: Umar bin Hassan, Abiodun Oyewole, David Nelson, Gylan Kain, Felipe Luciano, Jalal Mansur Nuruddin, Suliaman El Hadi, and two drummers Nilaja Obabi and Baba Don. The Last Poets’ name derives from the work of South African Poet Little Willie Kgostile, who declared his era to be the last age of poets before the complete takeover of guns.
Early Works
The group was signed by jazz producer Alan Douglas, who helmed their eye-opening debut LP in 1970. Their classic poems ”Niggers are Scared of Revolution,” ”This is Madness,” ”When the Revolution Comes,” and ”Gashman” were released on their two albums, The Last Poets (1970) and This Is Madness (1971).
The Legacy
Since the Last Poets first recording, their work has had a profound influence across the hip-hop landscape. Phrases they coined like "Party and Bullshit" have become a mainstay in the Hip Hop lexicon. Today they continue to spread their message, touring the world and recording new music. They’ve also collaborated with a number of current notable artists including Nas, Common, Erykah Badu, Kanye West, Styles P. and Dead Prez on award-winning album projects. They also performed in the inaugural season of HBO’s ”Def Poetry Jam”, were cast in the movie ”Poetic Justice” (1993), toured with Lollapalooza (1994) and performed in venues around the world.
All of the members of the Last Poets have carried on their artistry, and while some of them may no longer perform or record albums, the concept and idea of the Last Poets has remained a constant in their lives. As for Oyewole and Hassan, they continue to perform and record for one reason only: To promote self-empowerment in the African American community through music and the spoken word.
Umar Bin Hassan, Abiodun Oyewole and Baba Don continue to carry The Last Poets’ Torch.
