Dead Prez Return Has Perfect Timing

With half of the country pissed off that President Barack Obama is still in the White House, the political and socially conscious hip hop duo, Dead Prez picked the perfect time for a comeback with the release of their album, Information Age, in January 2013.  Most known for the critically acclaimed single "Hip Hop" from the album Get Free, the group has not strayed from the recipe of fiery political commentary and addressing the ills of the poor and/or minority filled communities. Their performance of the song and the intensity of its lyrics can be seen in Dave Chapelle's concert movie, Block Party, along with performances from other socially aware artists like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, and The Roots.

Information Age includes much lighter production than I expected which helps transition the group into the current hip hop market but they still manage to keep the content thought provoking and relevant. One of the stand out singles from the new album for me was "Dirty White Girl" which has a double meaning of the harsh effects of becoming involved with cocaine. By listing why they stay away from "Lohans and Dixie Chicks" and love Sistah Souljah, Dead Prez may seem to hate white girls but they are literally expressing their disgust with hard drugs and its part in the destruction of minorities. This is one group that is not afraid to state how they feel and everything is covered from sex and drugs to education and religion.

The album dishes out knowledge from the intro to the last single making it a far contrast from what is in heavy rotation on many of the mainstream hip hop airwaves. Hopefully, Dead Prez's return can help shift the market towards adding socially aware music into the mix along with the club bangers or superficial rap that is dominant at the moment. The firestorm surrounding the recent elections make it the prime time for black artists to show that we are not what they make us out to be through the couple of coon artists that they push down our throats and somehow become wildly popular

Infomation Age is set to be released early next year and will feature The Roots member, Martin Luther, and Umar bin Hassan of The Last Poets.

Video for Dead Prez's single "Hip Hop"

"Would you rather have a Lexus or justice, a dream or some substance?" - Dead Prez