The duo of Stic.man and M1, teamed as Dead Prez, threaten to begin a revolution. Their debut album, 'Let's Get Free', leaves me in awe. For all the stereotypes given to rap as being verbally empty and flakey, this album breaks them. This album is political, warning, and thought-provoking. It raises awareness regarding issues ranging from public schooling, to the state of hip hop, health, the political system, sex and so on. Never before have I encountered an album with such an amazing combination of great beats, a great message and fluid rhythm. Browsing the songs, feels more like listening to an ebonics version of a great psychology textbook. The knowledge and ingenuity of these two rappers astounds me. And with this album they're sure to bring their ghetto thoughts into the political limelight.

"Hip-Hop" is the lead single off the album. It's amazing! Upon first listen, it sounds like a blistering bass-oriented car stereo song. But the track goes much deeper, dealing with the ailing state of hip hop. It features some blazing lyrics, here's one of my favs: "...who shot Biggie Smalls, if we don't get them, they gon get us all!". "I'm a African" features some blazing scratching by Mista Sinista of X-ecutioners, and slithering lyrics from Indo and Abu of The People's Army. "Mind Sex" is another great song, passing the message that it is better to get to know someone's personality and thoughts, before driving to the sac. "Animal In Man" tells a story similar to George Orwell's classic book "Animal Farm", where the animals take over the dwelling only to feud among themselves. Other great songs include "They Schools", "Behind Enemy Lines", "We Want Freedom", and "Psychology".

This album is revolutionary. Dead Prez find a way to rhyme their educated mentality creating an awareness unparalled by any other rap artists. Common, The Roots, Mos Def all have lyrical skills, but the beats are sometimes too plain. With this album, Dead Prez are free to show even the most elite artists what hip hop and rap should be all about. This album is a must get.

www.brockwayent.com

(Originally posted on HipHopCanada.com)

This review was written March 29, 2000