"In my book, one of the sharpest young intellectuals we have out there." - Dr. Michael Eric Dyson ISSKOOTSIK (Before Here Was Here) is the debut album from author, activist, attorney, and Native American spoken-word artist Gyasi Ross.

A forceful collection ranging from historical facts to dreams of love and death and loathing, featuring Slug of ATMOSPHERE, Abiodun Oyewole of THE LAST POETS, and Northwest Independent music legend STEVE FISK, as well as traditional Native American performances from NAKOA HEAVYRUNNER and SACRED WATER.

Gyasi comes from both the Blackfeet and Suquamish Indian Nations.