Before you see Dead Prez, did you know…?
- M-1 was mobilized as a young man by the book, “The Autobiography of Malcolm X,” by Alex Haley.
- Spike Lee said of “The Autobiography of Malcolm X:” “It has given me courage that I didn’t know I had inside me.”
- M-1 and stic.man met at Florida A&M University in 1990.
- Lee went on to make the film, “Malcolm X” starring Denzel Washington.
- M-1 and stic.man called themselves “Dead Prez” and moved to New York, where they built a following with their knowledgeable, politically-charged rap, and powerful live shows.
- Dead Prez were first signed to Loud Records, and were label mates with Wu-Tang Clan and Mobb Deep.
- Dead Prez released “Let’s Get Free” in 2000. Educated, defiant, and wholly political, “Let’s Get Free” was considered by many to be the best hip-hop album of the year. One review called it, “The most politically conscious rap since Public Enemy.”
- M-1 also goes by the name “Mutulu Olugbala,” while stic.man goes by “Khnum Olubala.” The surname is Yoruba, a language spoken in West Africa, and means “for the love of the people.”
- In 2004, the Dead Prez released “RBG: Revolutionary But Gangsta.” With “RBG,” they took it back to the streets, with a personal record that revealed some of the most private parts of their pasts.
- Dead Prez were featured performers on “Dave Chappelle’s Block Party” in 2006. Their song “Hip Hop” is the instrumental heard on every episode of the Dave Chappelle Show.
- Also in 2006, Dead Prez released an album with the Outlawz called “Can’t Sell Dope Forever,” and M-1 released a solo record, “Confidential.” Stic.man released “Manhood” in 2007.
- Dead Prez are featured in their own documentary, “It’s Bigger Than Hip Hop,” directed by John Threat, whose real name is John Lee.
- Stic.man says: “A man gotta be balanced. You can’t just be about the pleasures.”
- “Information Age,” the newest Dead Prez album, is set to be released in November, Election Month.
Want to go?
Dead Prez in Richmond! June 20, 9:45 – 11 PM, Hyperlink Café, 814 W. Grace St.
Cost: $15 at the door
