With their politically charged raps, taut rhythms, and dedication to raising African-American consciousness, the Last Poets almost single-handedly laid the groundwork for the emergence of hip-hop. On May 19, 1968, at a celebration of Malcolm X’s birthday at Mount Morris Park in Harlem, they officially formed the Last Poets, deriving their name from a poem titled A Walk In The Sun, by South African poet Keopetse Kgostilie. B-Side is delighted to welcome Abiodun Oyewole, Umar Bin Hassan, and percussionist Baba Donn Babatunde into the studio for a night of poetry, rhythms, and conversation.

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The B-Side Podcast is produced by Charlie Hoxie, Kecia Cole, Ro Johnson and Sachar Mathias; recorded by Onel Mulet; and edited by Khyriel Palmer and Emily Boghossian. For more information on B-Side and all BRIC RADIO podcasts, visit www.bricartsmedia.org/radio