from left: Abiodun, Umar, Babatende of THE LAST POETS; click on the portraits above to enlarge & read bios


The Last Poets is a group of poets and musicians who arose from the late 1960s African
American civil rights movement's black nationalist thread. Their name is taken from a
poem by the South African revolutionary poet Keorapetse Kgositsile, who believed he was
in the last era of poetry before guns would take over. The Last Poets have been cited as
one of the earliest influences on what would become hip-hop music.

"With their politically charged raps, taut rhythms, and dedication to raising African-
American consciousness, the Last Poets almost single-handedly laid the groundwork for
the emergence of hip-hop." - Jason Ankeny, music critic


THE LAST POETS become part of WORDZ FROM THE STREET
In March of this year (2007), The Last Poets came to Los Angeles to record "Is He the
Living God?" for Wordz from the Street. The track was later remixed by Segal (Outkast,
Xzibit, Eminem). Hear the track online in Dreghost's Listening Room.

Click on the thumbnail photos at the top of the page for an enlarged view, and to read
bio information about the Poets. Or click on these links: Abiodun, Umar, Babatunde.

back to WORDZ FROM THE STREET