Founded in 2013 to honour the seminal folk artist of the ’40s and ’50s, the Woody Guthrie Center has previously awarded Mavis Staples, John Mellencamp and Pete Seeger for their contributions to highlighting social injustices via music. Now, the It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back rapper, long regarded as one of the most important hip-hop artists of all time, will be receiving the coveted honour.
In a press release, the Center’s director Deana McCloud explained the reasoning behind choosing Chuck D. for this year’s award, saying that “Woody was a fighter for the people, and Chuck D’s message has consistently aligned with Woody’s: choose a side, fight the power and work for a better world. We are honored to recognize Chuck’s work as he shines a light on social and cultural issues through his words and encourages us all to take action for equality and justice. We know that Woody would be rapping right alongside him as he speaks truth to power.”
Dive into The Bomb Squad’s record crate and find out more about the production of It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back.
