"The West Coast's answer to the Last Poets, Watts Prophets didn't get quite the same recognition for their contributions to raising black consciousness and laying the foundations for rap. The group was formed at the Watts Writer's Workshop, an organization started by screenwriter Budd Schulberg designed to provide a creative outlet in the wake of the 1965 Watts riots." -Biography at MP3.com

"Without fine arts there are no fine minds."

• Amde Hamilton of the Watts Prophets

"When the 90’s came, I saw that justice and morality was no longer a reality in most men’s lives. Racism was alive and well. Malcolm had been reduced to a commercial X, the Panthers to a movie. The world psyched into an ethnic fight, while gunrunners grow in economic might. I learned to have hope in the face of no hope." -The Watts Prophets

Listen to the album "When the 90’s came"

"When the Poets perform titles such as "What Color Is Black?" and "Searchin`", the club is absolutely still, with even bartenders and pool players riveted to every word." -Los Angeles Times

Two great free MP3s (right-click for direct download): -"Unwed Mother, Unborn Child" from "Afterthoughts" -"Texas Boy" from "Afterthoughts"

Biography and more at dlartists

Story in Horizon Mag

CDs at amazon.com