Review: 1977's Delights of the Garden, which saw The Last Poets accompanied by legendary soul-jazz sticks-man Bernard Purdie, remains one of the proto-rap innovators' greatest albums. The team behind the Dynamite Cuts label clearly agree, because they've decided to stick two of the set's most magical tracks on one must-have 45. On the A-side there's a chance to savour LP highlight 'It's a Trip', where the band sings and speaks over skittish, loose-limbed Purdie breakbeats, fizzing funk guitars and rubbery bass. Turn it over for special (and tastefully executed) 7" edit of 'Blessed Are Those Who Struggle', a classic chunk of politically charged proto-rap featuring killer drum work from the ever-impressive Purdie. In a word: essential!
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