Dead PrezLets Get Free

Shadowy loops, deep bass, and startlingly direct lyrics. The most politically conscious rap since Public Enemy. 'Hip Hop' has a killer bassline that later became the Chappelle's Show theme. Arriving as a corrective anthem: 'It's bigger than hip-hop.' 'They Schools' is an unflinching critique of public education. 'Police State' examines mass incarceration with urgent, documentary-style directness. M-1 and stic.man met at Florida A&M, saved $900, moved to Brooklyn, and went homeless before running into Lord Jamar at a street festival. A young Kanye West contributed production. Rolling Stone gave it four stars.