In "Africanism," The Last Poets, a pioneering force in spoken word and revolutionary poetry, revisit their most incendiary verses, delivering a powerful and timely statement. This 2024 release, set to drop on November 29, is a collaboration with legendary Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen and features contributions from Egypt 80, Courtney Pine, and Kaidi Tatham. The album, released under the Africa Seven label, is a concise yet potent collection of eight tracks, clocking in at just over 35 minutes.
The Last Poets, known for their fiery rhetoric and unapologetic stance on social and political issues, bring their signature intensity to "Africanism." The album opens with "This Is Madness" and closes with "Gash Man," bookending a journey through tracks that tackle themes of revolution, systemic oppression, and the African diaspora experience. Standout tracks like "Niggers Are Scared Of Revolution" and "When The Revolution Comes" showcase the group's enduring relevance and their ability to distill complex social commentary into poetic, hard-hitting verses.
Musically, the album blends The Last Poets' signature spoken word style with the infectious rhythms of Tony Allen and Egypt 80's Afrobeat influences. The result is a unique fusion of poetry and music that is both thought-provoking and danceable. "New York, New York" and "Just Because" are prime examples of this blend, with Allen's drumming providing a pulsating backbone for the poets' verses.
"Africanism" is not just a return to form for The Last Poets; it's a reinvention. The album sees the group revisiting some of their most revolutionary verses, recontextualizing them for a new generation. The collaboration with Tony Allen and Egypt 80 breathes new life into their work, creating a sound that is both familiar and fresh. The album is a testament to the enduring power of The Last Poets' message and the universal appeal of their art. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to their work, "Africanism" offers a compelling introduction to the world of The Last Poets and their unique brand of revolutionary poetry.
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