Saul Williams

The uninitiated might do well to start with Saul Williams’ grisly take on U2’s “Sunday Bloody Sunday.” Saturated with fuzz and fury, it’s one of the best covers released during the last decade - bar none. But beyond all that, Williams’ impressive catalog touches on innumerable emotions and social outlooks. His latest album, Volcanic Sunlight, came after several years away from the mic and provided a renewed emphasis on his beats and music. But the crown of Williams’ industrial hip-hop is found within 2007’s Inevitable Rise and Liberation of Niggy Tardust. Williams hits hard against the pitfalls of contemporary hip-hop, pointing out the need for honest art and commanding lyrical wit. Oh, yeah: Go pick up a copy of his longform poem Said The Shotgun to the Head, too. Lots of good stuff in there. (Sandy)