6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Originals..., December 5, 2005
This review is from: Things Gonna Get Greater: The Watts Prophets 1969-1971 (Audio CD)
The Watts Prophets were revolutionary. This CD consists of their first two albums "The Black Voices: On The Street In Watts", and the classic "Rappin' Black In a White World". It's great having both these releases on one disc since neither one is currently in print. For those that don't want to pay ridiculous prices for used copies this disc is a more than worthwhile purchase. The package itself is well done too: the booklet is glossy and contains many photos as well as informative liner notes on the history of the group. The raps here are definitely not for the faint of heart: the Prophets don't pull any punches in describing the state of black America in the late 60's and early 70's. It is this intensity that makes their poems so potent whether you are reading them or listening to the group. The Prophets dealt in truth and didn't gloss anything over, and while the directness of their raps may unsettle some, sometimes the truth hurts. Their message on both albums is made that much more direct by the minimal accompaniment and percussion, the majority of the raps are spoken word. Songs like the "What Is A Man" suite on which Dee Dee McNeil sings and plays piano are very powerful and stand out due to the instrumental accompaniment. For those interested in their work, check out their most recent work "When The 90's Came", which contains an updated version of the rap "Everybody Watches" from the "Rappin' Black" album. The Watts Prophets laid the groundwork for all the rappers that came after them, and if you are interested in the roots of today's hip hop this should be an essential purchase.
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