Abiodun Oyewole

[1] Critic Jason Ankeny wrote, "With their politically charged raps, taut rhythms, and dedication to raising African-American consciousness, the Last Poets almost single-handedly laid the groundwork for the emergence of hip-hop.

As a youth, Oyewole was influenced by jazz and gospel music played by his parents and the poems of Langston Hughes.

At one point, Oyewole was forced to leave the group as he spent four years in a North Carolina prison, convicted of larceny.

After serving two and a half years of a three-year sentence, because of good behavior he was eligible for study release during the day.

Recently, Oyewole has been touring the world giving lectures on poetry and politics and hosting a weekly Open House for up-and-coming poets.