The Last Poets

USA, 1968–now

Harlem collective formed in 1968 out of the Black Arts Movement — poetry delivered over hand drums, uncompromising and unaccompanied by melody. Widely named as the point where rap begins.

MusicRoots documents 0 artists who influenced The Last Poets and 1 artist The Last Poets influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Which artists did The Last Poets influence?

• Gil Scott-Heron — They played Lincoln University in 1969 and Scott-Heron went up afterwards and asked Abiodun Oyewole whether he could start a group like theirs. He could.