Last Poets, The
1968- · Contribution: 1968-present
Spoken-Word Collective
Harlem spoken-word collective, formed in 1968, whose confrontational, socially conscious poetry set to conga rhythms is widely credited as a direct forerunner of rap; often called 'the godfathers of hip-hop.' (Group/collective entry.)
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Quick facts
- Born
- Formed 1968
- Active since
- 1968
- Category
- Arts, Music & Entertainment Tech
- Best known for
- Forerunners of rap"When the Revolution Comes""Godfathers of hip-hop"
Impact on the world
The Last Poets fused poetry, politics, and percussion into a form that prefigured rap by years, giving hip-hop one of its foundational templates. They made spoken word a vehicle for revolution.
An alternative history
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Sources
- Book or scholarly workFind
Britannica (The Last Poets)
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Related visionaries
Scott-Heron, Gil
1949-2011
Poet, musician, and author widely called the 'Godfather of Rap'; his socially conscious spoken-word recordings, above all 'The Revolution Will Not Be Televised', fused poetry with jazz, blues, and soul and became a foundational influence on hip-hop.
Kool Herc, DJ (Clive Campbell)
1955-
Jamaican American DJ widely credited as the father of hip-hop; at a 1973 Bronx party he pioneered the 'breakbeat', using two turntables to isolate and loop the danceable instrumental 'break' of a record, creating the musical and cultural foundation from which rap and hip-hop grew.
La Rock, Coke
1955-
Widely regarded as hip-hop's first MC; the vocalist who rhymed and shouted over DJ Kool Herc's breakbeats at the 1973 Bronx party now considered hip-hop's birthplace, establishing the role of the rapping master of ceremonies.
Flash, Grandmaster (Joseph Saddler)
1958-
DJ turntablism techniques (scratching, breakbeat manipulation)