The BEGINNING
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.
The Forefathers of Hip Hop
Before rap even had a name
The Last Poets
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.
Are you The Last Poet? We welcome all poets, rappers,
writers, and lovers of the spoken word to participate in
The Last Poets Challenge. A definite prerequisite is that you
know about The Last Poets and what they have
represented within the 50 plus years of their artistry.
News + Events
Featured
The Last Poets are more than a band, although, you could call them that as well. A collective? An idea? A movement? Sure!