The Last Poets are not only considered one of the greatest spoken-word artists in history but also a cornerstone in the early foundation of Hip Hop. This is why HipHopDX is proud to premiere a new video for group member Abiodun Oyewole’s song “New York, New York” from the upcoming Windows on the World soundtrack, which is scheduled to drop through Ropeadope Records.
The track was originally featured on The Last Poets’ 1970 self-titled album. “New York, New York” has also been sampled on songs such as Ice-T’s “NY NY” from his 7th Deadly Sin album and Niggaz Wit Hats’ “Guerrillas in the Midst” from the Fear of The Black Hat soundtrack.
According to the pioneering poet, the poem is still relevant in the era of Donald Trump’s presidency.
“It was really a revelation to hear and do the poem ‘New York, New York,'” Oyewole said. “I didn’t realize how relevant it was today. There are some outstanding poets around today, but Hip Hop is capturing the ears of our youth more so than poetry.”
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He continued, “This is a very significant time in America. It is a very pivotal time where there will be a serious changing of the guards. Trump is the last bit of hope for the old guards. Poets and songwriters should be writing about the world we want to live in so we the people can make it happen.”
Starring Ryan Guzman and Edward James Olmos, Windows on the World tells the story of a Mexican son’s search for his missing, undocumented father working at the World Trade Center on 9/11. Though a release date hasn’t been announced for the film, Windows on the World is making the festival rounds.
Watch Oyewole perform “New York, New York” above. Revisit the original below.
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