Black & Proud | 3BOPS

1. Nas, “Ultra Black”

Ft. Hit-Boy

💿 King’s Disease • 🏷 Mass Appeal • 🗓 2020

“Grace Jones skin tone, but multi that / Multiple colors, we come in all shades, mocha black.” 🎵 “Ultra Black” finds 🎙 Nas exuberant in celebrating blackness. On this gem from the 🏆 Grammy-winning 💿 King’s Disease (Nas’ first win, shockingly), the rapper is backed by ‘old-school’ production (🎙 Hit-Boy), which always seems to suit him. Interestingly, for a man not known for hooks he drops one here and it’s moderately catchy. Nas cites specific notable blacks and things associated with ‘the culture.’

One truly clever lyric comes near the end of the second verse:

“Hall & Oates, I can’t go for that
Motown Museum, Detroit, I’m ultra black.”

Essentially, the rapper doesn’t want the ‘culturally appropriated’/whitewashed version – no disrespect intended – he wants the legit, black and proud version. “Ultra-Black,” which ranked among the best songs of 2020.

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎧  Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: August 2020

🔗 🎧 100 BEST SONGS OF 2020: 100 – 76

🔗 🎧 100 BEST SONGS OF 2020

2. Beyoncé, “Black Parade”

💿 The Lion King: The Gift [Deluxe] • 🏷 Sony • 🗓 2020

Arguably, Juneteenth received much more attention in 2020 than it had in years – maybe ever.   Sure, former President Donald Trump tried to take credit, but the amplification of the celebration was propelled by protests, fighting for racial equality and justice.  🎙 Beyoncé, woke like so many black musicians during an incredibly tense, released a song celebrating blackness, 🎵 “Black Parade”. The Juneteenth 2020 single fittingly finds a home on 💿 The Lion King: The Gift (Deluxe Edition), as both an extended and shorter version. The big takeaway from the record is celebrating blackness, period.

“Black Parade” blends African and international music with R&B, hip-hop, and pop.  Also, there’s a clearly a socially conscious sentiment. It also successfully establishes a vibe. There’s lots of gimmickry and repetition, but not only is it embracing the minimalist elements of modern, mainstream music, it also revisits the minimalist elements of world music, which makes it so influential on today’s music. Despite its more simplistic elements, “Black Parade” is actually deeper and more transcendent. It’s polarizing, but definitely art and a great conversation piece.  

Also appears on 🔽:

🔗 🎧 Awesome Songs That Tickled My Fancy: June 2020

🔗 🎧 100 BEST SONGS OF 2020

3. James Brown, “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud – Pt. 1”

💿 The 50^th Anniversary Collection • 🏷 UMG Recordings, Inc. • 📅 2003 

“Uh! With your bad self! Say it loud: I’m black and I’m proud!” Ooh wee! Three-time, 🏆 Grammy-winning funk/soul icon 🎙 James Brown shows immense black pride on his classic, 🎵 “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud – Pt. 1.”  These days, it’s Pt. 1 that gets the most love, appearing on such greatest hits compilations like the fine 2003 compendium, 💿 The 50^th Anniversary Collection.  That said, the full-length original, 🎵 “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud – Pts. 1 & 2,” appears on Brown’s 1969 album, 💿 Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud.

This hella funky cut is pretty straightforward.  The Godfather of Soul is intentional about being proud of who he is and his people.  He’s definitely pushes for better things and times to come, citing the many hardships that have faced black folks.  “We have been ‘buked and we have been scorned,” he sings on the first verse, adding, “We’ve been treated bad, talked about as sure as you’re born /… Brother, we can’t quit until we get our share.”  I love Brown’s socially conscious mindset.  Also, I love the band, who drops some of the most ill and sickest funk you’ll ever hear.  Furthermore, as lit as the hook and verses are on “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud,” the bridge might be the crowning achievement, with James Brown doing those signature James Brown things over those killer riffs!

“Ooh-wee, you’re killing me
All right, you outta sight
All night, so tough
You’re tough...
Ooh-wee, you’re killing me!”