More Poet Than Rapper
Who Reigns?
Every rapper is a poet on some level. Well, except for Silkk the Shocker. Throughout the years, notable rappers and crews have supported the efforts of some true poets. To be honest, I always enjoyed the presence of these poets on otherwise traditional albums. Let’s discuss some of my favorites, in no particular order.1
Any fan of the Dungeon Family is familiar with the work of Rube. A member of the Society of Soul alongside Organized Noize. A mainstay on Outkast albums, he has continued to find work with younger artists like Offset and Spillage Village.
APEX: Outkast’s “Liberation.”
J.Ivy
J.Ivy is a Chicago native, Grammy award winner and actor. His performance on Kanye West’s “Never Let You Down” is easily a top 5 spoken word hip-hop feature.
APEX: “Never Let You Down.”2
Keisha Plum
Resident Griselda poet Plum is best immortalized in this homage to her and Westside Gunn.
APEX: Westside Gunn’s “RVD.”
Sarah Jones
Like many on this list, Sarah Jones is much more accomplished than the title of poet. She is an accomplished actress and activist. However, I could not make this list without including the person who made “Your Revolution,” which many are just starting to understand now.
APEX: “Your Revolution” with DJ Vadim
Saul Williams
Another featured hip-hop poet who is so much more is Saul Williams. He has worked alongside A-listers like Pharrell Williams and Trent Reznor.
APEX: Ohm from Lyricist Lounge
Malik Yusef
Malik Yusef, bet your baby mama knows the name, is either best known for his excellent performances on Common albums or his ultra-classic “Wouldn’t You Like to Ride” with Common and Kanye3.
Please tweet your thoughts on Twitter @kevduce or comment here.
I have not included Gil Scott-Heron on this list. Likely better than all on this list, his poetry may have been the omega of hip-hop but was not featured on the hip-hop albums of others.
I will not link this due to Kanye’s anti-Semitism, causing him to lose several nickels.
Directed by Coodie & Chike!