Jalal Mansur Nuriddin, a founding member of The Last Poets, has passed away at age 74. His family has asked for privacy and will confirm funeral details shortly. A cause of death is yet to be revealed.
Born in Fort Greene, Brooklyn in 1944, Nuriddin was affectionately referred to as 'The gradfather of rap.' He formed The Last Poets alongside Gylan Kain, David Nelson, and Felipe Luciano in the late 1960s and released the group's debut album in 1970. A second album, This Is Madness, followed a year later. The Last Poets released their last studio album Understand What Black Is earlier this year.
In 1973, Jalal released Hustlers Convention under the moniker Lightnin’ Rod. The album has been sampled by both the Beastie Boys and Nas.
The Last Poets announced his death in a statement:
It is with extreme sadness and a heavy heart that the family of Jalal Nuriddin announce the passing of this great pioneer of the recording industry. A member of the Last Poets, and also known as ‘The Grandfather of Rap’, Jalal slipped quietly away this evening into the arms of Allah. The family asks that you respect their privacy at this time, and refrain from all calls and contact. Details regarding his jananza (furneral) will be forthcoming shortly. They ask that you make dua for Jalal especially during these last 10 days of Ramadan. Thank you.