Last Poets

The Last Poets are a collective of poets and musicians that emerged in the late 1960s during the African American civil rights movement and black nationalism. The group was founded on May 19, 1968, Malcolm X’s birthday, at Mount Morris Park (now Marcus Garvey Park) in East Harlem, New York City. The group is known for their politically charged lyrics and their dedication to raising African American consciousness. Over the years, the lineup of The Last Poets has changed, with notable members including Jalal Mansur Nuriddin, Umar Bin Hassan, and Nilaja Obabi. Their debut album, “The Last Poets,” was released in 1970 and was followed by “This Is Madness” in 1971. These albums featured a mix of spoken word and music, and their work has been credited with laying the groundwork for the emergence of hip-hop. The Last Poets continue with Baba Don Babatunde as the featured percussionist. The Last Poets have influenced a wide range of artists, from jazz musicians like Pharaoh Sanders to hip-hop groups like Public Enemy. Despite facing challenges and changes over the years, The Last Poets remain an important and influential force in the world of spoken word and music.