Dead Prez's M-1: Resilient, uncompromising

By DAMON C. WILLIAMS

Some have called the politically charged hip-hop group Dead Prez a near-perfect incarnation of Public Enemy for the way it brings attention to the plight of the world's poor and those trapped in America's ghettos.

DP member M-1 restates the issues solo on his recent "Confidential," a Dual-Disc release that includes videos and commentaries, as well as a version of the album in enhanced stereo.

"This is the latest installment of RGB [Revolutionary But Gangsta]," the Florida native recently told the Daily News. "This year, I wanted to bring different music, make a marriage of diverse statements."

M-1 has made eye-opening statements ever since he linked with partner Stic.man during their days at North Carolina University. Among their early work was their classic contribution to Loud Records' landmark release, "Food, Clothes and Shelter."

For M-1, aka Mutulu Olugbala, it's the message behind the music that is most important. Most, if not all, of M-1's music centers on politics, racism and laws that hurt this country's poor.

"We still have the same problems we had 30, 35 years ago," M-1 said. "Reality is the most important aspect of my music."

The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina is one issue M-1 and Dead Prez are acting on, musically and otherwise.

"In New York, we are organized to stop the eviction of Katrina evacuees [from hotels they had been living in since the storm]. It's a mix of grass-roots organizations and a team of lawyers to stop the evictions," M-1 said.Dead Prez also performed at a Katrina victims benefit in NYC last September.

M-1 said he gets most of his fire from living in Florida, with its blend of Haitian, Cuban and African-American communities and the myriad issues they face.

"I'm influenced by the politics of Florida and the revolutionary nature of Floridians," M-1 said, "People down here are galvanized, because they are trying to put our people in the streets."

Many of M-1's views are voiced on "Confidential." Songs such as "Land, Bread & Housing" and "Don't Put Down Your Flag" should become favorites to those who enjoy good lyricism with a social point. The album features Q-Tip, Cassandra Wilson and, of course, Stic.man.

"I'm proud of [Dead Prez's] resilience and our noncompromising position," M-1 said. "For me to represent the movement that I represent, I could never be satisfied."