Conditionally speaking, Dead Prez is a sort of idyllic rap act. Part Public Enemy, part Trick Daddy, part J-Live, the Florida duo blends militant activism with harshly conscious wordplay and a party-friendly framework. These are three attributes not often successfully melded in the genre, but DP does it, and their fans know they do it well. Their ruffian politics have won them a diehard following over the span of a mere two full lengths, 2000’s Let’s Get Free and 2004’s RBG, the latter of which we had our way with here.

Despite DP’s southern pedigree, the pair boasts a strut not deeply rooted in any one region. Their universal draw is a big part of their overall appeal. Having dropped last week, the “Dual Disc” release Confidential is the duo’s first trek into solo territories. DP member M1 departs even further from any notions of a southern orientation and reps a hard-hitting repertoire with an NY-friendly mainstream-to-underground crossover appeal. One exception to this rule would be “For You.” While the joint may not be Crunk 101, the unapologetically digital bump ‘n rattle production techniques, paired with a guest spot by Houston’s own Scrap Daddy, make for a solid South-certified “rider” track (i.e., a slow track intended for auto enjoyment rather than the club).

M1 will be wrapping up his time on Ghostface’s Fishscale tour with a handful of east coast U.S. dates.

03/28 Anaheim (@ House of Blues)*
03/30 Brooklyn (In-Store @ Beatstreet Records)
04/04 Orlando (@ The Social)*
04/05 Charlotte (@ Neighborhood Theatre)*
04/06 Atlanta (@ Roxy Theater)*
04/07 Carrboro (@ Cat’s Cradle)*
04/08 Asheville (@ The Orangle Peel)*
04/09 Charlottesville (@ Starr Hill Music Hall)*
04/10 Washington, D.C. (@ 930 Club)*
04/11 Baltimore (@ Sonar Lounge)*
04/13 Boston (@ Paradise Rock Club)*
04/22 New York (@ Nokia Theater)*
05/09 Los Angeles (@ TBA)

* - Dates on Ghostface Killah’s Fishscale tour

[buy stuff here]