If rap could be traced to one logical source point, this exceptional piece of vinyl would be it, without question. Though the strict adherence to syncopated rhythms and standard song structures are absent, all the elements that would later become the hallmarks of hip-hop by the early 1980s (and predictable fare by the 1990s) are here: vivid depictions of street level violence, vivid apocalyptic predictions of racial genocide. All that is missing are pointless party anthems. But running through all th...   [ read more ]

CD $11.38

The foundation work for latter-day rappers -- Afro-centric themes, improvisational vocal styles, obscenity, and a political slant. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide

CD $12.33

Essentially, this Recall collection compiles the first four Last Poets recordings on two discs. This is "real rap," to be sure. Many may regard Gil Scott-Heron as the "godfather of hip-hop," but the Last Poets were its true progenitors. Their spare, often hand-drums-only-approach into multi-voices poetry, call and response, African style chants, and radical politics gave musical voice to the righteously angry Black Power movement during the late '60s and early '70s. None of these men w...   [ read more ]

CD $20.88