The Legacy of Dead Prez Lives On in “These Are the Times”

“These Are the Times” by Dead Prez is a striking example of politically charged hip-hop that remains deeply relevant. Released in the late 1990s, the track delivers an unfiltered look at systemic oppression, police brutality, and economic inequality—issues that still shape the lives of many today. With sharp lyricism and a sense of urgency, Dead Prez doesn’t just document the struggle—they urge listeners toward self-education, community action, and lasting change.

The accompanying music video, which blends “These Are the Times” with another powerful track, “Food, Clothes, and Shelter,” is more than just a visual—it’s a short film. Raw, reflective, and cinematic, it brings their message to life with an authentic feel that captures the spirit of the era. The video includes memorable cameos: the late Prodigy of Mobb Deep (RIP), whose appearance adds emotional weight and depth; Sadat X of Brand Nubian, whose presence ties the project to a broader lineage of conscious rap; and Afya Ibomu, wellness expert and former wife of Stic.man, whose appearance serves as a nostalgic flashback to a simpler time when they were young, building, and dreaming together.