The Last Poets

Surprises

1970 · Douglas 3 · New York City, New York

Artist
The Last Poets
Title
Surprises
Release
The Last Poets
Year
1970
Label
Douglas # 3
Format
LP · Album
Language
English
Country
New York City, New York, USA
Genre
Jazz · Jazz Poetry
Primary theme
Peace, Protest & Anti-War

Annotation — Peace, Protest, & Anti-War Songs

Run, Nigger (Last Poets, The) Surprises (Last Poets, The) Vietnam, demonstrations, Civil Rights, George Wallace etc. Anti-war, protest.

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

Annotation — Jazz Songs

Formed on 19 May 1968, the anniversary of the birth of Malcolm X, The Last Poets pioneered jazz poetry with social and political raps and rhythms, paving the way for the emergence of hip-hop. The collective, based in Harlem, New York, had several line-ups. Their debut 1970 album The Last Poets had two Vietnam War-related protest songs: "Run, Nigger" and "Surprises". The 1971 album Right On! featured "Die Nigga", referencing Vietnam and the murders of Chaney, Goodman, and Schwerner. The 1972 album Chastisment contained "Black Soldier" and "Hands Off". Their 1977 album Delights of the Garden included the song "Ho Chi Minh" about Vietnam and 1970s protests.Run, Nigger (Last Poets, The) Surprises (Last Poets, The) Vietnam, demonstrations, Civil Rights, George Wallace etc. Anti-war, protest.

Annotation by Justin A. Brummer

About the artist

Formed on 19 May 1968, based in Harlem, New York

Themes

Anti-War · Civil Rights

In collections

Civil Rights Songs · Jazz Songs · Peace, Protest, & Anti-War Songs