Back catalogue: All genres

Review: Dynamite Cuts have pulled out another classic from the Afro-jazz canon here. It's one of the many gems from the catalogue of The Last Poets and was sampled by some big hip-hop artists back in the day including The Jungle Brothers. The original track is some ten minutes long but here it has been edited down to a short and sharp for minutes for an exclusive 7" pressing. Soon as you drop the needle you will be hypnotised by the saxophone and vocals as the energetic groove lifts you up and away.

Review: Dynamite Cuts is one of the most aptly named labels in the game. Its latest releases have focused on The Last Poets with 'Tribute To Obabi' droopy on the same day as this one to kick off 2023 in style. As per that 45rpm, this one features a special 7" edit of a longer tune in 'Blessed Are Those Who Struggle'. It's laced with musings on oppression and slavery with funky drumming and speak-sung vocals making for a compelling mood. On the A-side is the Afro-jazz of ''It's A Trip' complete with unique vocal styles and funky basslines.

Review: 1977's Delights of the Garden, which saw The Last Poets accompanied by legendary soul-jazz sticks-man Bernard Purdie, remains one of the proto-rap innovators' greatest albums. The team behind the Dynamite Cuts label clearly agree, because they've decided to stick two of the set's most magical tracks on one must-have 45. On the A-side there's a chance to savour LP highlight 'It's a Trip', where the band sings and speaks over skittish, loose-limbed Purdie breakbeats, fizzing funk guitars and rubbery bass. Turn it over for special (and tastefully executed) 7" edit of 'Blessed Are Those Who Struggle', a classic chunk of politically charged proto-rap featuring killer drum work from the ever-impressive Purdie. In a word: essential!

Review: The collaboration between the hip-hop godfathers and Afrobeat's explosive rhythms is nothing short of electrifying. After the session in Harlem, the project moved to Prince Fatty's studio, now in South East London, where the rhythm section was filled out by two key members from Seun Anikulapo Kuti's band, Egypt 80. Akinola Adio Oyebola and Kunle Justice's enthusiasm brought an authentic Nigerian Afrobeat vibe to the music, setting the stage for a unique fusion of revolutionary poetry and progressive jazz. UK-based jazz talents like Joe Armon Jones, Kaidi Tatham and Courtney Pine joined in to create a vibrant soundscape. With live, non-sampled instrumentation and impeccable mixing from Prince Fatty, the music feels as groundbreaking as the Poets' lyricsiperfectly capturing today's eclectic musical tastes.

Review: The Last Poets, pioneers of revolutionary spoken word and proto-rap, return with a powerful new album that blends their fiery lyricism with the infectious rhythms of Afrobeat. 'Africanism' sees the legendary duo, Abiodun Oyewole and Umar Bin Hassan, collaborating with a stellar cast of musicians, including the late Tony Allen, Prince Fatty, and members of Seun Kuti's Egypt 80. The result is a potent and timely exploration of social and political issues, delivered with the same raw energy and uncompromising spirit that has defined The Last Poets' music for over five decades. Abiodun revisits classics like 'When The Revolution Comes' and 'Gash Man', their messages of social justice and self-empowerment still burning bright. Umar's 'Niggers Are Scared Of Revolution' and 'Just Because' remain as potent and provocative as ever, their unflinching commentary on race and inequality cutting through the noise of contemporary discourse. The album's musical landscape is equally captivating, with Tony Allen's polyrhythmic drumming providing a driving force, complemented by the soulful melodies and intricate arrangements of the contributing musicians. A powerful reminder of the transformative power of music and spoken word.