Dead Prez at the Hub: Hip Hop Duo Lights Lyrical Fire at Thursday’s Show

Dead Prez at the Hub

Jen Woo: Raw, revolutionary, and intensely passionate, Dead Prez captured the crowd at the Hub Thursday night with their high energy performance and powerful lyrics, leaving spectators fanatical and screaming for more. Known for their confrontational lyrical style and deeply rooted involvement in social revolution, the group’s strong political beliefs and fresh hip hop vibe generated an exceptionally impressive turnout. The political hip hop duo’s relentless philosophy as reflected in their music includes coquetry with views on verboten topics such as activism against government repression, reinstating power to the common people, corrupt police, institutional racism, anti capitalism, corporate control over the media, and prison systems in addition to critical pedagogy, veganism, and education; making for a particularly interesting performance…and entourage. With an array of album favorites old and new, Dead Prez blew away the fans, triggering an undeniable furor that lasted through the entire night.

M1 of Dead Prez Live At the Hub

Keeping in line with the outspoken hip hop theme, Ise Lyfe (www.iselyfe.com) opened for Dead Prez, and who although produced a rather sparse audience, seemed to have a very loyal standing with those that were in following. As an upcoming premier artist and emcee, Ise Lyfe is rapidly garnering national attention as both a visionary artist and community leader. Using a blend of hip hop and spoken verse, Ise’s powerful subject matter and unique delivery had the small, but amped group of viewers moving to the emcee’s bold beats.

stic.man of Dead Prez Live At the Hub

The crowd poured in as Dead Prez took the stage, electrifying the floor. Dancing an arm’s distance apart from a sea of ecstatic admirers, M1 and Stic Man activated the entirety of the space by describing some of their challenging times in “Hell Yeah (Pimp the System)” and then moving on to more revolutionary pieces such as “Gangsta Gangsta” and “Let’s Get Free.” Even more powerful live, the sounds of M1 and Stic Man’s sultry and commanding voices echoed through the Hub, leaving the masses to fall victim to their undeniably fluid, adrenaline-boosting, synergetic mélange of fiery rhymes and dominating rhythms.

M1 of Dead Prez Live At the Hub

As a stand out anomaly in an overwhelmingly cash, money, hoes dominated mainstream rap community, Dead Prez bestows a breath of fresh air with their impulsive, uncut, irrepressible soul sonic funk that challenges society’s status quo. Honest and insightful, the group is true to their roots and gives a voice to the hearts and minds deep inside the trenches of the lives of the overlooked everyday individual. As the show came to an end, the crowd was left longing for more and waiting at the stage cheering even after the group left.

stic.man of Dead Prez Live At the Hub

Seeing Dead Prez live for the first time, as well as being able to spend some time with them during a quick dinner, has brought to forefront how truly unique this group is. The validity of their intentions is revealed in a genuine desire to challenge people to think for themselves and offset the conventional balance instilled in the system. This particular show could quite possibly be one of the most exhilarating nights the Hub has seen, and I for one, personally hope to see them back in Santa Barbara again soon.

Dead Prez Lights Lyrical Fire At the Hub!

This review was previously published in the Independent.

Jen Woo with Dead Prez

I had the chance to meet Dead Prez at dinner to ask them a few questions before their show at the Hub. See my interview videos below.

The interview touches on a few topics including inspiration for the group’s powerful lyrics, M1’s journey to becoming a revolutionist, information about “From the Ghetto to Gaza”, why both M1 and stic.man chose to become vegan, their knowledge of martial arts, and finally what Dead Prez is about, goals of their music, and websites where you can find more information.

M1 from Dead Prez describes his inspirations for the group\’s powerful lyrics.

M1 of Dead Prez discusses his journey to becoming a revolutionist.

stic.man of Dead Prez talks about why he chose be to vegan.

M1 of Dead Prez talks about why he chose to be vegan.

stic.man of Dead Prez talks about his knowledge of martial arts.

stic.man & M1 end the interview with what Dead Prez is about and goals of their music. Tahir gives us their websites.

To view more of Jen’s photography, miscellaneous art, and current projects, check out her blog.