“A word hasn’t been coined to fit what we’re talking about,” The Last Poets told Rolling Stone in 1970. Today, The Last Poets are hailed as the fathers of rap.
Hip-hop history officially started in Harlem on May 16th, 1969 (Malcolm X’s birthday). Imprisoned after refusing to fight in the Vietnam War, Jalal Mansur Nuriddin began to blend spoken-word verse with street-corner beats, and befriended fellow inmates Umar Ben Hassen and Abiodun Oyewole. Upon their release, Hassen, Oyewole, and Nurridin (a.k.a. Alafia Pudim, a.k.a. Lightnin’ Rod), named their trio The Last Poets, after the work of a South African writer who predicted violence would destroy the current, last generation of poets. The Last Poets, dubbed “the village elders of the rap world” by The New York Times, created two of modern music’s most influential albums: The Last Poets (1970) and This Is Madness (1971). Combining politically charged street poetry with inventive yet tribal percussion, these records sparked the rap revolution.The group was soon electrifying audiences at both the Apollo Theater and on local television.
Thanks to their arresting fusion of politically outspoken lyrics and inventive percussion the music that still resonates more than 40 years later. Head to this rare live show at Band on the Wall and understand why Chuck D says, “The Last Poets are the birthplace of rap.”
The Natural Curriculum consists of emcees Chalk, Sykes & Aver, beatboxer Jam and DJ Omas, who together have forged a unique brand of hip hop. Sharp, intelligent lyricism is backed by industrial boom-bap beats crafted from meticulously researched samples and rounded off with layers of heavy beatbox percussion and DJ wizardry.
They’ve received widespread praise from critics and taste makers converting all they touch, from those in their Manchester roots to national radio bigwigs like Lauren Laverne, DJ Format & Mr.Scruff. Unwavering loyalty of audiences lured in by their live performances has earned them a cult-ish longevity as well as respect across a burgeoning Manc hip hop scene, lending production credits and guest vocals. 2015 looks set to fully awaken the beats as they line up a clutch of DIY videos alongside a string of new records to add to their self-released repertoire both as individuals and the whole group later this year.
Inna Voice are a collective of poets, rappers, beatboxers, and singers who’ve played across Britain and America, opening for such poets as Saul Williams and Kate Tempest.
The Picturehouse Cafe Bar is open beforehand for delicious food and drinks.
TICKETS NOW ONLY AVAILABLE IN PERSON FROM THE BAND ON THE WALL BOX OFFICE. BOX OFFICE OPEN FROM 5PM