I don't think it is fair to claim Sun Ra's work was Rap when the man is not here to defend himself.

Nuclear War notwithstanding (already linked to in my post of 22 Jul 08 - 08:36 AM!), as anyone with even the most casual acquaintance with his work will know, Sun Ra rapped every word he uttered. And he rapped a length at every show right up to his first stroke. Any amount of this on You Tube of course, but here's one to get you up and dancing:

Sun Ra : Face the Music

Sun Ra's acquaintance with the celebratory colloquialisms of the street is perfectly illustrated by his story of a black youth being beaten up by some white kids; out of the sky comes the voice of God: Leave the mother-fucker alone!