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#thelastpoets #vinyl #vinylrecords
Formed in the turbulent era of the late 1960s, The Last Poets is a unique combination of a musical group and a poetry collective, famous for their profound contribution to the African-American civil rights movement and black nationalism. Abiodun Oyewole and Umar Bin Hassan were the primary members, and each made groundbreaking strides in hip-hop and spoken-word poetry. Umar Bin Hassan’s intense passion and Abiodun Oyewole’s fiery delivery influenced subsequent musicians like Gil Scott-Heron and Gary Byrd.
Playing a crucial role in shaping the structure that came to be known as hip-hop, The Last Poet’s contribution to popular culture has remained largely commendable. Their poetry and spoken-word content, charged with political and societal themes, laid the groundwork for modern hip-hop. Their claim to fame extended beyond the US shores, shaping the hip-hop and jazz scene in Europe too.
In the mid-1960s, The Last Poets, primarily Umar Bin Hassan, Abiodun Oyewole, partnered with Tony Allen, a Nigerian and French drummer renowned for his mastery in drumming. Allen had initially worked with Fela Kuti’s band Africa ’70. Together, The Last Poets and Tony Allen managed to revolutionize music by combining poetry, jazz, and Afrobeat rhythms, making way for what we now recognize as the Hip-Hop genre.
Fast forward to 2024, The Last Poets have taken us on a journey through time with their latest release: “Africanism”. Infused with the fresh and vibrant sounds of Afrobeat and contemporary jazz, the album recaptures their classic works like ‘When The Revolution Comes’, ‘Gash Man’, and ‘Niegers Are Scared of Revolution’. The Blacks Emcee’s famous percussive beats by the late Tony Allen provide an immersive auditory experience, building a connection between the past and the present.
Allen’s mastery, combined with the contributions of jazz keyboardist Kaidi Tatham and saxophonist Courtney Pine brings a raw intensity to the Spoken-word poetry, making it alluring for the listeners. The album is not just a collection of compositions but an amalgamation of live sessions from Brooklyn and London, symbolizing the legacy of The Last Poets and Tony Allen.
Despite their immense contribution to the musical world, struggles and disagreements overshadowed the group’s success. Both The Last Poets and Tony Allen had to grapple with internal strife, leading to several lineup changes. Despite the tumultuous journey, their commitment to their art remained unshakeable. Testament to their resilience and dedication is the iconic album “Africanism,” which upholds their legacy while also paving the path for more innovative musical experiences. It truly embarks upon a new era of musical fusion, paying homage to the vast musical legacy left behind by both The Last Poets and the remarkable drummer Tony Allen.
In the end, “Africanism” is a celebration of their combined dedication towards creating a unique musical experience. It is a musical monument, signifying the profound legacy of The Last Poets & Tony Allen, years of innovation, and their contribution to contemporary music. It emphasizes that their influence is far from over, and their unique fusion of Afrobeat, poetry, and jazz will continue to inspire generations to come.
