Abiodun Oyewole Reads the Words

"With their politically charged raps, taut rhythms, and dedication to raising African-American consciousness, the Last Poets almost single-handedly laid the groundwork for the emergence of hip-hop."
- Jason Ankeny, music critic

In December 2007, we traveled to Harlem to visit with Abiodun Oyewole and record music tracks for Wordz from the Street. Following this encounter, the idea was born to have Abiodun record an audio narration of The Words. Abiodun is the founding member of The Last Poets, often credited by music historians as the artists who gave birth to the musical style known today as hip-hop. Abiodun is a teacher, activist, poet, and musician who has devoted his life's work to the service of others, to lift the common good, and to inspire people to realize their potential.
Abiodun recording in his apartment; click here or on image for enlarged view
Very soon, we will be making Abiodun's narration available here on The Words website as a free download. It will also be available on iTunes with original music by Abiodun, Peter Atanasoff, and Jonathan David Burkes. More information about this release will be available from this page.  - Lee Cantelon

Ascension

I will ride the crest of the wave
And I will fly above the clouds
I will live not as a slave
And I will sing my praises loud

Each day I try to understand
The changes I go through
Each day I'm reaching out my hand
To help someone find the truth

We all need understanding
We all need someone to care
Life is so reprimanding
Even when someone is there

I will walk in the sunlight
And shine wherever I go
I will strive with all of my might
To help myself to grow

- Abiodun Oyewole, c. 2008

for further reading see The Last Poets page on pinlight.com