free download! ps the rebels’ latest single ‘the chant’ mixes afro samba beats and socially conscious lyrics. #soundcheck

I’ve been way into PS the Rebels since I got a taste of their single, “BaRua,” last year. The African-born and Dallas-based MCs mix East African sounds with socially conscious and politically active lyrics, for something totally unique. Their latest single is “The Chant.”

By Nathan Leigh, AFROPUNK Contributor

At 2 and a half minutes, the track isn’t likely to get them noticed in the mainstream, but their mission is more about challenging the mainstream. Building from a sampled chant into a miles deep beat courtesy of producer Supa Dave, MCs Pihon and SumUiLL spit triumphantly defiant rhymes. “Why is everybody claiming king to a thrown? / When kings get dethroned, when rebels get it going / Movements eventually taking over.” The track emphasizes community and mass movements over mainstream hip-hop’s (and let’s be real, America in general…) current obsession with conquest. “No doubt you found a profound Afrocentric Afro sound.”

The track is available as a free download from the Soundcloud player above. Check these guys out. They don’t even have a record out yet, but they’re already opening for acts like Erykah Badu, Immortal Technique, and Jean Grae!