Artist: Dead Prez Album: Lets Get Free

Year: 2000
Duration: 0:0-1

Let's Get Free: A Critical Review of Dead Prez's Revolutionary Hip Hop Album

Hip hop has always been a voice for the marginalized and oppressed. In 2000, Dead Prez emerged as one of the most politically conscious and revolutionary hip hop groups of the new millennium with the release of their debut album Let's Get Free. The album was a rallying cry for social justice and liberation, addressing issues such as racism, police brutality, economic inequality and imperialism, through a fusion of hard-hitting beats, Afrocentric rhythms, reggae, and insightful lyrics. Dead Prez emerged at a time when hip hop was undergoing a shift towards commercialization and mainstream media. Let's Get Free was a breath of fresh air that challenged the status quo of the music industry. In this critical review, we will delve deeper into the album, looking at its historical importance, musical genre and themes, the standout songs, and the most innovative parts.

Dead Prez is a hip hop duo consisting of M1 (Mutulu Olugbala) and stic.man (Clayton Gavin). Both artists were born and raised in New York City and had a revolutionary approach to making music. They were part of the larger Black Panther movement and saw their music as a platform for political education and activism. Let's Get Free was their debut album, released on March 14, 2000, on Loud Records. The album was produced by DJ Hi-Tek and largely featured guest appearances by fellow revolutionary rappers such as Common and Talib Kweli.

The genre of Let's Get Free is often categorized as political or conscious hip hop. It is a sub-genre of hip hop that emerged in the late 1980s and early 90s, characterized by its emphasis on social and political issues. The album features heavy use of sample-based beats, some of which incorporate live instrumentation such as the use of the electric guitar in the intro to They Schools. The album also showcases Afrocentric and reggae influences, particularly on tracks such as I'm an African and Psychology. The production style is minimalistic, allowing for the lyrics to take center stage.

The themes explored on Let's Get Free are vast, ranging from critiques of the education system and penitentiary complex to the exploitation of Black and Brown communities and the global struggle for liberation. The album's opening track Wolves sets the tone for the rest of the project, with M1's aggressive verse calling out the political corruption and violence that has plagued Black communities for centuries. Standout tracks on the album include Police State, which explores the parallels between the current state of policing and the slave patrols of the past, and Mind Sex, which offers a refreshing and empowering take on sex in hip hop. I'm an African is a beautiful homage to Black identity, culture, and history, featuring a sample of South African leader Steve Biko's speeches.

The most innovative part of Let's Get Free lies in its unapologetic and unabashed political messaging. The album was released during the height of the bling era of hip hop, when flashy and materialistic lyrics were being championed by the mainstream. Let's Get Free was a sharp contrast to this trend, bringing back the revolutionary spirit of 90s hip hop. It presented an unapologetically militant vision of Black liberation and challenged the status quo of hip hop culture.

As with any album, Let's Get Free is not without its flaws. There are moments on the album that drag on a bit too long or feel a bit repetitive. However, these minor criticisms pale in comparison to the lasting impact of this groundbreaking project. Let's Get Free challenged the political apathy of mainstream hip hop and inspired a new generation of socially conscious artists.

In conclusion, Let's Get Free is an essential album for anyone interested in the political and social history of hip hop. The album is revolutionary in its message and lays the groundwork for the political and conscious hip hop of today. Dead Prez's debut album is a bold statement that refuses to compromise its revolutionary ideals for commercial success. As the political and social issues addressed on the album continue to be relevant today, we can turn to Let's Get Free for inspiration, education and liberation.

In conclusion, Let's Get Free is an essential album for anyone interested in the political and social history of hip hop. The album is revolutionary in its message and lays the groundwork for the political and conscious hip hop of today. Dead Prez's debut album is a bold statement that refuses to compromise its revolutionary ideals for commercial success. As the political and social issues addressed on the album continue to be relevant today, we can turn to Let's Get Free for inspiration, education and liberation.