How do you love rap when rap doesn’t love you back? From Rico Nasty’s harassment from toxic Carti fans, to Saucy Santana's unapologetically femme aesthetics in a queerphobic industry, to the assault case that put Megan Thee Stallion’s entire image on trial, each episode of Louder Than A Riot - the second season of our investigative hip-hop podcast - unpacks the unspoken rules of rap that hold the entire culture back. Tap in to our first episode at n.pr/louder-season-2.

@chasemcpheeters

6 ай бұрын

I feel like I wrote this

Saul Williams. Underrated. But at least those who know of him, know he's the real deal.

@goodguywithapun

4 жыл бұрын

Underrated? By whom? Lol. (I know I know, just blows my mind. Dude's a king.)

@ameejohnson4923

3 жыл бұрын

Crazy how Saul seemed to predict the current state of events....

@marilyncallingbull9967

3 жыл бұрын

I adore him

@danielvalleduarte

3 жыл бұрын

I just found out and I'm happy to be aboard

@danielvalleduarte

3 жыл бұрын

So much breath exhaustion in those words....I get dizzy

Now THAT is an artist. Vulnerable. Rule bending. Raw. Relevant. Bless you, Saul Williams.

@Horac3

4 жыл бұрын

He’s permanently on this level! Perfect Description🤟🏾

Since it isn't already listed in the video, the names of the performers are: Saul Williams - Vocals Aku Orraca-Tetteh - Guitar (Yellow) Akwetey Orraca-Tetteh - Guitar (White)

@alanc1491

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

"Being a candle is not easy; In order to give light, one must first burn" --Rumi

@thabobaloyi6542

Жыл бұрын

😮

@dominicmoreno4662

4 ай бұрын

Woah

"Treaties don't negate the fact you deal in stolen property".💎💎💎 He is dropping jewels.

@mia_misskit

3 жыл бұрын

always ! i love that jewels .. they grow to become art in my head :)

@the2ndcoming135

Жыл бұрын

Ikr? The good book literally says if you gain the opportunity to get freedom you should take it👨‍👦

Saul Williams' off the cuff version of Down for Some Ignorance was NO DOUBT performed at NPR as an act of defiance. It was a giant indictment of the media performed on their front door. Williams makes a point no matter what he is doing. Seriously impressed with both his invitation to do a tiny desk concert and what he decided to do with that invitation.

@oscarames71

5 жыл бұрын

I think so too.

It's about time. Saul Williams has the tongue of a god and we should all be Thankful to listen to it.

6 years late to the party but I would’ve been 15 when this was released. But almost everytime I hear it’s relevant. His words are completely timeless. He is tapped in.

Saul taught me that the world is drowning in pain, just like his shirt is drowning in sweat. He's a true artist.

@andreisimonramgu3293

7 ай бұрын

hahahaha what, aaahh that was a good laugh 😅 and u are right tho 🙈

Bruh, this dude Saul Williams has been blowing minds for so long that it's like the air he breathes. What an amazing performance! Tiny Desk is really the main reason I come to KZread.

@HiGlowie

4 жыл бұрын

Did you ever get to see him live? Would love to see him do his thing.

Raw, thought provoking, and intense. Tiny desk was created for this.

Go see Saul Williams live and remember to breath. Powerful. His mind is explosive. One of the wonders of the world.

@adotinthecosmos

7 жыл бұрын

Katie Roche this is truth. you don't know Saul until you see him live.

@JC-dq1ij

2 жыл бұрын

Couldn’t have said it better… “One of the wonders of the world”

What an incredible manifestation of reality! No words of praise or adoration could do this performance just tribute. Thank you NPRMusic for hosting/posting this.

easily the most underrated Tiny Desk Performance

@Horac3

4 жыл бұрын

Literally, Saul Williams different mediums has been underrated for years! His spoken word is some of my favorite pieces.

@MylesBullen

4 жыл бұрын

@@Horac3 I hear you! one of the reason I became a poet

Saul is an incredible live performer...One of the most intense and honest I have ever seen.

That last performance was utterly moving. I had to hold back tears.

How I only came across this now is unbelievable. I love Saul, was blessed to see him perform live twice in South Africa twice :-)

Swoosh indeed. Saul is the real thing,

I went to see Saul speak at the University of Wyoming about 8 years ago when I was an undergrad there. His words have had a lasting impression on me. Great to see him at the Tiny Desk!!

Outstanding! Saul is pure heart and all that is the human species

Got to see him live as the opener for nine inch nails back in 2006 or so...was every bit as good as you think.

@baj4206

2 жыл бұрын

mine was readinf festival 2005, small tent, absolutley the most fun I had that year. He then did a spoken word set during the day. Inspirational

@inef85

2 жыл бұрын

Saw him during that tour on an off-night when he performed alone. Madrid. El Sol, tiny basement club. And yes, was every bit as good and still remember it today. Epic.

@slawomirchmurak3047

Жыл бұрын

I remember that. I was disappointed cos in US it was Soundgarden(or similar),but he blown my mind. List of demands was probably the highlight of his show that night💪

@ericlokishannonhouse2317

2 ай бұрын

That must've been on the Year Zero tour? His version of "Hyperpower" is "Gunshots by Computer", right? I have always thought of that as being one of the better NIN opening album tracks, even if it is on a Remix Album. This Tiny Desk performance is the first I have really heard Neptune Frost, but his words and voice are so powerful. PLus, he can yell-sing, no-auto tune bs, and that is provocative.

I come to watch this at least twice a month. I love you Saul. I love your strength. I love your weaknesses. I love you for teaching me that "vulnerability is power."

He will forever be one of my favorite artists, poets, authors, activist etc. #MartyrLoserKing #ImACandle

Mr Saul thank you for using your platform to teach knowledge.

individuals that would rather take to the keyboard and make negative comments than rather take a minute and just open their mind and think...says alot about the particular person

If we're talking about powerful and beautiful art, we're talking about Saul Williams, not a single word, not a single note is there to be overlooked... Si estamos hablando de arte poderoso y bello, estamos hablando de Saul Williams, ni una sola palabra, ni una sola nota están allí para ser pasadas por alto...

Been rocking with this dude since that movie Slam.

art evokes emotion. this is art indeed.

Woooo That last song was amazing. Haven't heard an artist mention that subject yet. Saul is the best to do it. He gave us such a beautifully crafted version of this reality.

Encrypted but vulnerable.... Dreaming while woke... This performance still entrances me two years later.

I will be watching him perform for the third time tomorrow...I cant wait! This man is the truth : )

Shout out to anyone on the Guardian culture adventure trail 🙋😁

@kerry7029

3 жыл бұрын

Yes!

@Grinneypiggles

3 жыл бұрын

Hello

@madeleineshaw6840

3 жыл бұрын

YES loving it!

@helenwaring7870

3 жыл бұрын

Whoop! Whoop!

@TrioraMusica

3 жыл бұрын

yes!!! what some revelations!!

Wow...this man is incredible! Just booked my ticket to see him perform live in London.

This was the mfuckin truth. Incredible.

Thank you Saul! Much love and respect.

This is my kind of Tiny Desk concert! Thank you Saul Williams. Wow... just wow!

As an Emcee From LI I use to travel out to the Brooklyn Moon Cafe because my Brother Freedom told me thats where you go to PROVE your self amongst the greatest poets of all times ........ The Moon Cafe was the house that Saul Williams , Jessica Care Moore , Shareef Simmons , Mos Def , Liza Jesse Peterson,Tyran GRAFX Allen built ..... You know what I don't know if they built it but they made me come back for more of the Raw ....... I am glad to say that all these great people became my comrades and friends back then we all did work together .........🎤

@obrey__

3 жыл бұрын

That sounds like such an incredible experience

@lordgodspeed1539

3 жыл бұрын

@@obrey__ Yes it was . I would take a time machine back to that time 🎤

The Dead Emcee Scrolls are everything to me.... thank you brother. This is Real Hip Hop in case you cant tell

People hate on it because it's harsh. Very different than other artists on here.

Lately I became totally enchanted by the Harlem Renaissance. It made me think of Saul Williams, I think he and his poetry and his intellectual leanings fit right in, more so than other modern artists.

Incredible lyricism and poetry, the vocals are so moving!

Anderson Paak and now Saul Williams. NPRs killing it with these concerts lately

@MoeJoe215

7 жыл бұрын

Agreed

@Maxbeanbag

7 жыл бұрын

"Whitney Huston's Crack Pipe" sums it up. My god npr this is fing terrible!!! Jesus

@7413321

7 жыл бұрын

good to see that you didn't even bother to try to understand the song

@GRiMHOLDx

7 жыл бұрын

Maxbeanbag+ What?!? Its official. You have a low i.Q "Whitney Huston's crack pipe, the greatest love of all (addiction) Watch me rise (Get high) to watch me fall (The crash after taking drugs)

@cmena1383

7 жыл бұрын

+Maxbeanbag unfortunate that's all you grasped from this.

Saul is a FORCE! Ya heard?! A perfect storm, modern day mystic and one of the worlds most prolific poets. ✊🏾

beautiful. thankful to experience such rare energy even via screen.

Incredible poet and artist. Been listening to Saul since the early 90's. Thank you NPR.

Woah. I hadn't had the pleasure of getting to know Saul Williams. This made quite the impression.

I couldn't help but think of "Look How They Treat Us" after he shed tears and the results of this election. I feel you Saul. I feel you.

Im a candle

@KB-mk9lv

7 жыл бұрын

me too

@carson80666

6 жыл бұрын

essentially... I'm a candle. You can chop my neck a billion times...

@ryanlay9013

6 жыл бұрын

best line ive herd in a while

@Reprodestruxion

6 жыл бұрын

David whoosh!

I got goosebumps watching and listening this performance. Saw Saul Williams twice in Macedonia. First in 2016, just after releasing Martyrloserking and second time in 2018 with David Murray quartet. Been a Saul Williams fan since high school (29 now, and in 2016 i was 25, so). I was so hiped for the first concert (for the second, as well). I am a concert goer from my young age, let's say - the first gig i was, was when i was 13 and continued going till now and i must say the first concert he played in Skopje was one of my favourite. It was a musical/poetical/life experiance in one. Remember, i almost lost consciousness from so much dancing and enjoying. Met Saul after the concert, thanks to my friend whose uncle is the organizer of the festival Saul was playing and Saul was really, really kind person. We talked for a bit and he said, i quote - i saw you enjoying the concert and i was in heaven. Of course, clumsy me, just didn't know what to talk with him, but, still. I read all his books and currently reading chorus, the anthology he edited. I think, he is one of the most important musicians/artists in our times, in every way.

Dam I remember seeing this dude on Def Jam Poetry back in the day.

@KB-mk9lv

7 жыл бұрын

Slam

@carson80666

6 жыл бұрын

SLAM.

@chickenpermissiontheshaved75

5 жыл бұрын

And welcome to the jam 😏

Love this concert. Been a fan of this amazing poet and performer since my teens when Wine and List of Demands we're my anthems. Followed Saul ever since- lucky enough to have seen him live three times: first just him and a mic, second with the jazz musician David Murray and third with a DJ. Each show was unique and mind blowing. This NPR concert is special too, particularly the rendition of Think Like They Book Says, which means alot to me.💜🤯👍

what a combo!!!! thanks everyone

...He's hacking through your hard-drive and hate is no security...

So much love for this man and his words

Glad to exist at the same time as this artist. Much love to you Saul, thank you for the guidance over my most formative years, including now.

Excellent!!! I love the setup with stereo guitars! Nice sound, thank you🙌

This man is so inspiring

@OmarFernandoChavez

7 жыл бұрын

go ahead

It hurts. Thank you.

Few songs i keep on listening so many Times in a row.... saul williams has been my idol for such a long Time !! No comment.... my Way of life... my ears

So powerful. Saul's words are fire!!!

some of the comments say more about us than him... it's clear most can't process the depth of his lyrics.

I really appreciate you, Saul.

SO GOOD. Saul never disappoints.

One of my all time favorites. Keep it up bruh

Kids need to be listening to Saul these day zzz.

Still amazed by this man!!!

I know art when I see it

@beseeingyou6

7 жыл бұрын

I'm a Warhol

@christibradford8499

7 жыл бұрын

LOL!

Insane performance - Saul Williams is fire

High poetry.

This was amazing!!!

this is incredible

Saul Williams is an inspiration forever !

As usual, Saul Williams tell on the future. Toli Nameless misses you!!!!

WOW the best NPR intense music with knowledge! keep up Saul!

every city/state deserves a library like this :,(

.... wow. ballsy & badassss. thank you, Saul. and NPR... every time you do more for the truth, the ignorance suffers.

Oh they’re for real. I’m so happy my algorithm brought me here 7 years late and somehow right on time.

This is so relevant...and he is incredible.

Love you Saul Williams!

First time I'm hearing from him. goose bump, I dont get all the lyrics but I can fill the engagement. Bravo

Powerful . . . as always.

Those last minutes when the tears started to roll down his cheeks. Holy shit...

He took me for an emotional ride once that beat dropped.

Fire. Just pure fire. Amazing.

putting words to the language my heart speaks.

This is beautiful ❤ True poetry and music

America has always relied on "outsiders" to be the purveyors of truth. "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith..."

@SurTom1

7 жыл бұрын

Saul Williams KRS-One, Russell Simmons, Taleeb Kwail, Damian Marley/NAS....are mature men of spirit and depth; this is a bit intense and notm as good 'musically' as alot of his work.. AND, all these guys and Saul are balanced people addressing issues skirted by 95 percent of hip hoppers and rappers, and avoid the bling bling of record companies that, perhaps would require of them to be less authentic. These guys deal with core issues not not glamorizing with 'war stories of violence' but fatherloss, family, self-care, and a spirituality that has not softenened or been compromised despite (in their earlier careers) not making squat for money. KRS-One absolutely walks his talk (ex. spiritually minded). I've talked to young adults he's hired on his road crew who lives for music and (by my observation needed mentoring).

@BricksAndButter

6 жыл бұрын

this the realest thing i read all day

Deeply radical and poetic. Burn bright and stand

ART.PLAIN AND SIMPLE

AN ABSOLUTE LEGEND!!!!!

Doesn't get any better than this

😉 amazing, thank you for the vulnerability. And, of course Bob for featuring the best of the best.

That was extremely brilliant.

encrypted and vulnerable, that's what I like about you. this is amazing.

Powerful! This is Music! Raw, true, political and intellectual. Keep doing your thing Saul!

I just have one word for Saul Williams in-cre--di-ble!!!! Well maybe two totally inspiring🙏🏾🙏🏾

Great tunes thanks

beautiful

cant say enough good about this man of love////SLAM