Welcome back to the world of blaxploitation: a place where the wah-wah pedal is never far out of sight! A place as well, where movies are sometimes overruled by their inspired soundtracks. Most of them were either ‘private detective takes on the mob’ or ‘dealer becomes king of the pimps’. “BE BLACK, BABY” especially takes notice of the period between 1970–1975, where the blaxploitation vibe was in full force: tight hi-hat rhythms complemented by edgy wah-wah licks, and the main theme of the song told the entire story of the film in a few minutes. Those films which produced the most innovative music, were the black alternative to the mainstream offerings. Known as ‘blaxploitation’ films, they satisfied the demand from inner-city audiences for movies made by and for blacks.

The popular highlights of this period were undeniably CURTIS MAYFIELD’S ‘SUPERFLY’, ISAAC HAYES’ ‘SHAFT’ and ROY AYERS’ ‘COFFY’. But the revival of interest in 70s culture has lead to a corresponding desire to explore more music of the blaxploitation genre, and with it the long-overdue acknowledgement of the influence of its artists on modern music.

Yeah, digging in the crates once again, this new Brown Sugar issue provides you with more special vibes from that golden era. – So shut yo’ mouth, sit back, and enjoy the ride !