Wed, March 30, Dead Prez

Unlike many mainstream hip-hop artists, Dead Prez doesn’t glorify capitalism. Instead, the group inflects lyrics with socialism, optimism and Pan-Africanism. Dead Prez consists of emcees Stic.man and M-1. The two are also activists, spoken-word poets and authors. Dead Prez sometimes channels Southern rap and pop music, inverting lyrics to create musically ironic tributes. For example, on its latest mix tape, the group co-opts the hook from B.o.B.’s “Nothin’ on You” for the song “The Beauty Within,” but turns the focus from a woman’s external beauty to her internal beauty. A new album will drop later this year. 2708 J Street, www.deadprez.com.