Inspired by self defence parties such as the Black Panthers, Dead Prez (short for dead presidents) is the most politically-conscious group since Public Enemy. They are M-1 and Stickman, rappers concerned with a topic that seems to be a dead issue in rap - the necessities of life. The track, "Food, Clothes and Shelter" convey their main points: money and power are both their energies and their enemies.

After fleeing a dangerous drug situation, M-1 arrived in Florida and became tight with Stickman. At first, they were united in a national activist organisation which allowed them to travel around the country. Realising that they also had to make a living, they decided to channel their energies towards music. Obviously, the first interpretation of the term dead presidents is the dollar bill, but dead presidents represent a spectrum beyond capitalism, addressing the common issues of the most endangered members of human society.