Generally recognised as one of the first ever rap groups, The Last Poets’ groundbreaking fusion of minimalist African beats with uncompromising lyrics dealing with life in the ghetto, civil rights and social injustice caused a major sensation when their eponymous debut album made the U.S. Top Ten album chart in 1970.
The group’s militant message and delivery, coupled with their support for The Black Panthers, made them highly controversial at the time leading to the group’s second album, 1971’s This Is Madness, being placed on Richard Nixon’s Counter-Intelligence programming list. Their pioneering sound continues to influence today’s funk and hip-hop scenes, with their mark being heard on countless black musicians over the years.
