I see your point about the roots. I guess what made me include them is that in my opinion, its their fanbase (black and white) that (and they themselves) support socially conscious groups. heck its because of them (?uest in particular) that we are able to engage ourselves in discussions like this right? i agree with your comments on their lyrical content. but its their affilation with these groups (like putting together the OKayplayer tour that gave all these artists exposer) and the music they PRODUCE (knowledgable music with live instrumentation) which they have used to bring other forms of music like jazz mainly, to a comtemporary young audience. ursela also came into mind when i choose them (the whole poetry thing). thanks for the input.

peace.

"I'll bring a point to your ear like Leonard Nimoy" -UD