M-1

M-1 is the stage name of Mutulu Olugbala, best known as one half of the political, hip-hop duo dead prez. In 2000, M-1 and partner stic.man released their critically acclaimed debut album Let’s Get Free. That album’s intense political commentary on the state of the hip-hop generation put the duo on the map as the lyrical descendants of hip-hop legends Public Enemy, Brand Nubian and Poor Righteous Teachers. The first of four albums, Let’s Get Free featured their hit single \"Hip Hop,” the instrumental version of which was used as Dave Chappelle\'s entrance music for his show on Comedy Central. Turn off the Radio: The Mixtape Vol. 1 (2002), Turn off the Radio: The Mixtape Vol. 2 (Get Free or Die Tryin\') (2003), and Revolutionary But Gangsta (2004) followed. An activist first, M-1 is well known and respected in the grassroots activist community for his work in bringing international attention to the plight of Black, Puerto Rican and Native American political prisoners in the US. A long time supporter of the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, he has been involved in the “Free Fred Hampton Jr.” campaign, has worked closely with the organizers of Black August to bring political hip-hop concerts from NYC to Cuba and South Africa, has headed the New York Chapter of The National Peoples Uhuru Democratic Movement, and is a founding member of the G.A.M.E (Grassroots Artists Movement). A featured performer in the 2006 film Dave Chappelle\'s Block Party, M-1 is currently completing his first book Political Animal: Memoirs of a Black Power M.C. and performs internationally, including songs from his recently released debut solo album Confidential.