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Jamaica-born Linton Kwesi Johnson wears the mantle of ultimate cool. His politically fired up poetry is read over dub beats, creating a unique style.
"Writing was a political act and poetry was a cultural weapon,” said Johnson.
Listening to him, you’ll be nodding your head in time to the music as you’re musing over Johnson’s lyrics, which skewer those in power for the poor job they do in providing equality for all.
It’s hard to pin down where rap started – whether it was the African griot tradition, or Gil Scott Heron’s “The Revolution Will be Televised.” One thing is true - Linton Kwesi Johnson was one of the progenitors of rap. Johnson's best-known albums are Dread Beat an' Blood and Forces of Victory.
And to quote crime writer Elmore Leonard in a different context, “The man knows how to wear a hat.”
Click HERE for a clip of Linton Kwesi Johnson performing “Want Fi Goh Rave.” |
