Introducing ‘Notes from Mr. Sandman‘ – a column slapping a spotlight on lyricists overlooked, under appreciated, or just plain criminally slept on. Or like a man named Nas once said, “I never sleep, cause sleep is the cousin of death.” Enter Mr. Sandman with what y’all missed while chasing the REM dragon.
Before conscious rap was even really a thing, there was the Poor Righteous Teachers (Wise Intelligent, Father Shaheed and Culture Freedom) who steady filled the airwaves with knowledge and empowerment. They were one in a movement of pro-black rap groups who changed the landscape of the culture with the way they conducted their affairs; beacons of hope that provided a guiding light during dark times.
Their debut album Holy Intellect is true to its namesake, a gospel aimed at enlightening the black community. The message is clear from the jump, and because it has a sense of purpose the words hit like a jackhammer. Even the beats reflect a sense of urgency — propulsive and determined to meet its mark.
Songs like “Speaking Upon a Black Man” speak to the heart of PRT. They are unabashed and project with a level of intensity that can only be created when there is a sincere desire for truth: [LISTEN]
PRT were relentless in their pursuits, loyal to their fans and the culture that brought them up. They didn’t deter despite the overwhelming success of their first album and still maintained their drive towards liberation. It was a bright moment for rap, when teachers could be found streaming through the mainstream airwaves, a far cry from what we have today.
Their follow-up, Pure Poverty, while not as commercially successful was still met with critical acclaim, at least with hop-hop heads. It placed them firmly in the middle of a moment that still serves as a corner stone for modern day rap; acts like Common, Nas and Kendrick Lamar building upon that tradition.
“Strictly Mash’ion” captures the mood that PRT were going for; relentless and crazy with the wordplay, a spirited call to arms: [LISTEN]
PRT never got the credit they fully deserved. As one of the few pro-black rap groups to hit the mainstream they were overshadowed by artists like Public Enemy, X-Clan and Brand Nubian. Nevertheless they made a deep enough impression to leave a permanent mark on hip-hop culture. And as mainstream rap continues to spiral out of control, it shows how timeless PRT is and how there message still remains relevant.
