Dovetailing the civil rights movement, 1970s blaxploitation film was the birth of a new code of black representation.
Often formulaic, they featured black heroes thrown into style-heavy contexts (anything from crime to westerns to sci-fi) usually facing white opposition in various manifestations.
It’s a genre mired in disagreement, but whether you think it was empowering or that it encouraged negative stereotypes, it’s impossible to ignore the music that accompanied the action in these films. The soul and funk soundtracks often surpassed the quality and popularity of the films themselves. In contrast to the radio-friendly funk of the time, these soundtracks are often noted for their complexity and rich orchestration. Quite the ear treat.
The debut album of the Norman Whitfield-produced group Rose Royce, and the music that launched their name. The title track was a number one hit, and there’s a good supply of disco funk cuts as well as hypnotic instrumental pieces to check out.
Car Wash
I Wanna Get Next To You
I’m Goin Down