Dead Prez

Dead Prez is the pair of politically militant rappers, Stic.Man and M-1. They have become known for their hard-hitting style and socialist lyrics, focusing on anti-racism, anti-capitalism, critical pedagogy, as well as activism against social injustice and corporate control over the media (especially hip-hop record labels.) In 1990, M-1 headed to Tallahassee to attend FAMU (Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University) where he and Sticman met and connected due to their mutual love of music and knowledge. “I was soaking up the Black Panther Party as a whole,” M-1 remembers. “I learned about their lives and it helped mold me.”

“I realized there’s a struggle already going on and I have to try to help rideit out,” interjects Stic.man. M-1’s quest for insight led him to join the International Democratic People’s Uhuru Movement (InPDUM) in Chicago for three years while Stic.man remained behind in Florida and started getting into trouble. Burned out by the arduous labor of Uhuru, M-1 decided it was time to do that music thing and Stic.man agreed.

Dead Prez transcribed the leftist political education they acquired into lyrical poetry. Brand Nubian’s Lord Jamar discovered them in New York and helped them sign a deal with Loud Records. But being the new kids on the block of a powerhouse label like Loud (home to the Wu-Tang Clan and Mobb Deep) wasn’t easy. dead prez wasn’t always Loud’s priority but that didn’t stop them from building a fan base around their over-the-top performances. (They’ve been known to ignite dollar bills and toss apples into the audiences, declaring they eat healthy).

With hard-hitting beats, politically aware rhymes, deft lyricism and strong song concepts, dead prez emerged in 2000 as one of rap’s most politically strident outfits. Stic.man and M-1’s music provided a voice for the voiceless, a sobering look at the global power structure that was crippling billions of people internationally and millions of Americans domestically. The duo’s first two studio albums, 2000’s Lets Get Free and 2004’s RBG: Revolutionary But Gangsta, were accompanied by four acclaimed Turn Off The Radio mixtapes and solo albums, and in 2012 they returned with Information Age.

Back in the studio, with a new single out and a new album on the horizon in 2024, Dead prez’s consistent artistry, and activism for nearly 25 years has earned them legendary status, and they remain one of the driving forces in Hip-Hop today.

Band Videos

Shows

Dead Prez, Macka B, Mungo's Hi Fi, Marina P, Blasé Blasé, Tank Gyal, DJ AREMS
at Ship Point (Inner Harbour)
Sat. June 22nd 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
$45 - $55 Advance
Our big Saturday on our main stage at Ship Point is an ode to the incredible influence of Jamaican rooted music as we celebrate not only reggae, but hip-hop and big bass electronic music that was pioneered by the soundsystems of Jamaica. To celebrate a quarter century of Victoria Ska & Reggae Festival, we are honoured to welcome one of hip-hop’s most conscious and hard-hitting acts, DEAD PREZ. Not only does this mark the festival debut of Dead Prez, but marks the duo’s first show in Canada in over a decade. Since the release of their landmark debut album “Let’s Get Free” in 2000, Dead Prez has been recognized as one of hip-hop’s most important acts – balancing hard thumping beats with an unwavering dedication to tackling an endless array of politically pressing issues pertaining to the Black community. MCs Sticman and M1 have proven time and time again – on Dead Prez releases and their numerous guest appearances – that they are among the quickest, smartest, most dedicated political MCs this side of Chuck D (Public Enemy). This is sure to be one of the most powerful, unforgettable hip-hop shows Victoria has seen in quite some time.

Bringing the straight reggae goodness on the bill is our dear friend, UK reggae icon MACKA B & THE ROOTS RAGGA BAND. After nearly four decades, Macka B is recognized as true soldier of reggae, spreading the words of love, unity and resistance against the forces that would try to stop us from realizing that love and unity. Through his remarkable output of records and his popular ongoing web series “Wha Me Eat,” Macka B has carved out a wholly unique place in the world of reggae. His last Victoria appearances left a huge mark on our audiences and we cannot wait to see what him and The Roots Ragga Band bring us under the open sky at the Inner Harbour. Also joining us from the UK on this jam-packed Saturday bill is reggae bass outfit MUNGO’S HI-FI, who will be coming with powerful vocalist MARINA P. There might be no act in the UK doing more to both preserve and push forward big bass reggae music. Their dedication to blending the sounds of Jamaica’s past with new ideas and energy has made them one of the biggest crossover acts in Europe, bringing fans of classic Jamaican music and modern electronic bass together in dancefloor revelry. Kicking things off for our Saturday party is Victoria’s own ultra smooth R&B/hip-hop blending machine, BLASÉ BLASÉ, who will be laying down their silky grooves and effortlessly cool vocals to bring some serious west coast style to the proceedings. Longtime allies TANK GYAL and DJ AREMS will also be on hand to warm up the system and keep people’s feet moving between bands with the best in reggae, dancehall, hip-hop and more. Join us for the penultimate Ship Point throwdown of our landmark 25th Anniversary!

Get Email Updates