THE COUP, DEBASER, MIC CRENSHAW, LIVING PROOF (Berbati’s Pan, 10 SW 3rd) Subtlety is not the Coup’s strength. The radical hiphop group has been hammering home their anti-capitalist and anti-racist message for almost two decades on the strength of rapper Boots Riley’s Oakland twang and wry sense of humor. Boots might be the only active rapper who can invoke revolution without inducing nausea. And although the oval ’fro and generous sideburns suggest the past, the Coup crank out painstakingly crafted songs for the moment, which is atypical of so many veteran political rappers. Sadly, DJ Pam da Funkstress—a rare female face behind the decks—doesn’t tour with the crew anymore, but the Coup’s tireless years on the road and smart snappy songs still ensure a rallying experience. JALYLAH BURRELL

It’s a bit ironic that in less dire political times—the Clinton era—I was a rabid fan of The Coup. I had never heard anything quite like their funk-heavy, East Bay style, plus Boots’ social lyrics added an element of great importance to every word he rhymed. But as things got worse—Bush era—The Coup seemed to fall off a little. Or maybe it’s just me becoming a bit more callous. Regardless how indifferent I am to their latest album (2006’s Pick A Bigger Weapon), I’ll always have a place for anyone who can write a song as great as this…

The Coup - “Me and Jesus the Pimp in a ‘79 Granada Last Night”