The Last Poets

PIONEERS OF HIP-HOP AND RAP

May 19, 1968, to PRESENT

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 original members were Gylan Kain, David Nelson, and Abiodun Oyewole.

The name “The Last Poets” was inspired by South African revolutionary poet Keorapetse Kgositsile, who believed he was in the last era of poetry before guns would take over. 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.

Group Members

Poet Percussionist

Dahveed Nelson –Born David Nelson, July 7, 1944, one of the founding members of the group, it was Nelson who came up with the name for the group. Nelson appeared on the Original Last Poets film documentary and soundtrack Right On (1970). Some of Dahveed’s classic poems are, ‘Today Is a Killer’, ‘Poetry Is Black’, and he wrote the poem ‘Die Nigger’ which was sampled by the hip hop group N.W.A.

Gylan Kain – (May 26, 1942—February 7, 2024) He is one of the founding members of the group. Kain was one of the originators of the aggressive, rhythmic delivery of spoken word aka performance poetry as it is known today. He often performs with hand drums or backing musicians such as saxophonists and bass guitarists. Kain appeared on the Original Last Poets film documentary and soundtrack Right On (1970). Some of Gylan’s classic poems are ‘Been Done Already’, ‘Tell Me Brother’, and ‘Niggers are Untogether People’.

Abiodun Oyewole – Born Charles Davis, February 25, 1948, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and raised in Queens, New York, Abiodun has journeyed through life with a profound sense of purpose and dedication. As a founding member of The Last Poets, he has been a pivotal figure in the evolution of spoken-word poetry and hip-hop. Abiodun’s activism and commitment to social justice are evident in his powerful performances and teachings. He is a poet, author, teacher, and revolutionary who has inspired countless individuals with his words and actions. Abiodun’s notable works include his contributions to The Last Poets’ albums ‘When the Revolution Comes’, ‘Two Little Boys’, ‘Forthe Millions’ and his solo CD ‘Gratitude"

Felipe Luciano – Born November 24, 1947, and raised in East Harlem, Felipe has moved through life’s transitions with power and purpose. He has navigated his crusades for positive change with vision and unrivaled activism. Felipe is a 21st century Renaissance man with a noteworthy bio that seems endless–Emmy Award winner, former co-founder and chairman of the New York City branch of the Young Lords Party, journalist, radio and television personality, actor, motivational speaker, historian, revolutionary and one of the Original Last Poets. Luciano appeared on the Original Last Poets film documentary and soundtrack Right On (1970). some of Felipe’s classic poems are ‘Jibaro- My Pretty Nigger’, and ‘Hey Now’.

Jalal Mansur Nuruddin - (July 24, 1944- June 4, 2018) Born Lawrence Padilla in Fort Greene in Brooklyn, New York, USA. Earlier in his career, he used the names Lightnin' Rod and Alafia Pudim. He has been coined by many as "The Grandfather of Rap" With his high, declamatory voice and his way of milking words for their sonic potential as well as their meaning. He was the first Last Poet to rhyme all his poetry. Jalal delivered some of the group’s most urgent and incisive verses. Some of his classic poems are ‘On the Subway, ‘Jones Coming Down’, and ‘Birds Word’, which is an ode to the pioneers of jazz music. He also created the classic Hustlers Convention (1973).

Umar Bin Hassan was born Gilbert Jerome Huling in Akron, Ohio, 1948 and is a member of The Last Poets. He sold his younger sister’s record player to purchase a bus ticket to New York City, where he joined The Last Poets. Known for his powerful voice and socially conscious lyrics, Umar has been a significant figure in the spoken word and hip-hop communities. In the mid-1990s, he recorded a solo album titled Be Bop or Be Dead on Bill Laswell’s Axiom Records. He also appeared on the Red-Hot Organization’s compilation CD, Stolen Moments: Red Hot + Cool, which was named “Album of the Year” by Time magazine. In 2018, Umar was the subject of a documentary film entitled Scared of Revolution. Some of his notable works include the albums To the Last and Life Is Good, songs ‘Niggers are Scared of Revolution’ and ‘This is Madness’

Suliaman El-Hadi -(September 30, 1936 - October 4, 1995) A profound poet and musician joined the Last Poets in 1972. The first album he appeared on was Chastisement. Suliaman recorded and performed with the group for 22 years, appearing on 8 albums, until 1994 with the album ‘Scatterrap’ being his last recording. This Korean War veteran met Jalal while performing his poetry over his conga drumming on a street corner somewhere in New York City. Unfortunately, this prolific wordsmith passed away in October of 1995. Some of his classic poems are ‘Black Soldier’, ‘Hands Off’, and ‘Before the White Man Came’.

Nilaja Obabi – (February 16, 1943 – March 1981) - Born Raymond Hurrey, he was the original percussionist for The Last Poets.; a man who was considered "the heartbeat" that provided enthusiastic inspiration to the amazing words uttered by the poets. Nilaja featured on several of The Last Poet records including The Last Poets (1970), This Is Madness (1971), Chastisement (1972)

Baba Don Babatunde—Born Donald Herbert Eaton, October 21, 1957, in New York City and the percussionist of more than 30 years for The Last Poets, contributing his rhythmic expertise to their powerful performances. Baba Don Babatunde is a renowned percussionist and master teacher of African Drumming and the rhythms of the African Diaspora in the Americas. Baba Don has performed with major American dance companies and artists such as The Dance Theatre of Harlem, Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre, Maurice Hines, Gregory Hines, and Patti LaBelle. He has also recorded with jazz legends like Donald Brown, Joe Henderson, and Ron Carter. Baba Don is the founder of JAAMBO, an Afro-Caribbean ensemble, and Percussion Arts Projects LLC. He has been on the faculty at the Harlem School of the Arts for over 25 years, teaching students of all ages. His contributions to the arts have been recognized with proclamations from the City of New Orleans and the City of New York Public Advocate’s Office.

Active Members

Abiodun Oyewole

Umar Bin Hassan

Felipe Luciano

Dahveed Nelson

Baba Donn Babatunde

Achievements

- Influence on Hip-Hop: The Last Poets are credited with laying the groundwork for the emergence of hip-hop music.

- Albums: Notable albums include their self-titled debut "The Last Poets" (1970) and "This Is Madness" (1971).

- Cultural Impact: Their work has been recognized for its profound impact on African American culture and music.

Recent Activities

• The Last Poets ‘Bridging the Gap’ with Universal Hip Hop Museum, virtual event, May 2020
• The Last Poets ‘The Last Shall Be First’ with Universal Hip Hop Museum, Bronx, NY May 2021
• The Last Poets at The Legendary SOBs, New York, NY January 2023
• The Last Poets at SESCTV Festival Zunido, Sao Paolo, Brazil, May 2023
• The Last Poets at NJPAC Max Roach Freedom Now Suite, Newark, NJ, January 2024
• The Last Poets at NJPAC Dodge Poetry Festival 2024, Newark NJ, January 2024

Media

- [The Last Poets - When the Revolution Comes] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8M5W_3T2Ye4)

- [The Last Poets - Full Performance (50th Anniversary Show, London)] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZ1Ip01ZtIY)