the temptations, the psychedelic soul years.
roses, pt.2.
the sequel to “roses” (a track mos def recently copped for the ecstatic), ms. muldrow sounds jubilant and spiritual, optimistic and funky as ever. this is from her latest album, umsindo, which dropped yesterday on the internets and will hit what record stores remain next week (the same day as the dudley perkins record, which she also produced, and has similar hendrix-lev psychedelic cover art).
beautiful words from 2dopeboyz.
artwork by tokio aoyama.
whilst tropicalia had given brazil’s musicians and songwriters a political voice during the 60’s, the black rio movement had to battle the odds: black soul was perceived as not being authentically brazilian and the country was under the rule of general medici’s oppressive dictatorship, which effectively suffocated cultural expression between 1969 and 1974.
the story of black rio is an exceptional one founded in the passion of soul and funk aficionados, a story that takes us across the america’s linking harlem to rio. it is the story of a music movement that influenced a generation of disenchanted black and poor brazilian youth, mirroring the struggles of their counterparts in north america.
the military censorship forbided images of mixed-race couples being shown on television, let alone the outright promotion of black culture. black rio was an important step forward in the reevaluation of black culture in brazil and opened the way for subsequent black music movements, such as the rap music scene that has sprung up in the suburbs of major brazilian cities.
what started out as a simple expression of the universal power of black music became a symbol for brazilians to leave the ghetto and choose their own destiny, music and fashion.
this last friday i’ve watched those two documentaries above.
soul train: the hippest trip in america tells the story of the famous soul train american tv show, the reference for what was happening in the late 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s on soul music, funk, disco-funk and hip-hop.
the brilliance of this documentary is to tell the story of the show through a social, historical view on the black history in the united states. it was not just hedonist fun on the tele - although fun is very welcome as far as working class only way to entertainment - but it was one of the many statements that black power was showing to the world. it criticizes, cherish and salute the symbol that became the soul train.
the documentary the last poets: made in amerikkka is just a work of art. a work of revolutionary art. the story of a group that redefined the position of black people against political opression, the story of the group that invented rap music as a form of protest through beats and poetry, the story of a revolution that is made from inside out, that shapes people’s point-of-view with proud, beauty and courage coming from themselves.
together with that made in amerikkka show us live outtakes and a reunion concert that bring us the last poets classics like their self-titled album from 1970 and this is madness, from 1971, on stage after nearly 40 years, and still fresh as faith.
if you didn’t saw it yet, go see both.
it’s one true and pure advice that i could give you.
a risky rap song arrangement, a surreal, heart living theme for the lyrics, yet “roses” is one of the most beautiful soul songs of the 21st century, courtesy of the great mos def together with georgia anne muldrow.
listen.
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when i’m down i just draw some roses on a pretty piece of paper, with my red stabilo pencil. halfway through i feel so much better, i imagine happiness and it runs right through me, such amazing beauty.
i have found just the perfect feeling, finally, ‘cause i’m grateful, i can feel your spirit coming closer on me. it is grand just to be reminded, reminded of the good things, and living in a new day that no one can tear down.
you don’t have to cut up no roses. please, just leave them living; got my pencil, got pretty paper, please don’t worry, we’re forgiven.
abstract is still life, real life kinetic.
