James Brown, Say It Loud… | Controversial Tunes 😈🎶

On the 32nd edition of Controversial Tunes, we explore the controversy behind “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud” by James Brown.  

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ring on the controversy, won’t you? Controversial Tunes 😈🎶 is a column that provides background information and insight into songs that raised eyebrows and totally stirred the pot.  The records that grace Controversial Tunes are old and new alike, with all genres of music welcome.  On the 32^nd edition of Controversial Tunes, we explore the controversy behind the song, 🎵 “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud” by 🎙 James Brown.

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Theme & Lyrics ✍ 

“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.”  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.  Quibbling over parts aside, it is the unapologetic, embrace of blackness during a turbulent time that earns “Say It Loud” a controversial stamp. 

 

This hella funky cut is straightforward.  The Godfather of Soul is intentional about being proud of who he is and his people.  He’s 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.” Hmm, I wonder if reparations are part of that share? Probably just opening another can of worms here! Regardless, I love Brown’s socially conscious mindset, which means even more to me as a black man myself. 

Beyond the message, the music is dope. The band drops some of the most ill and sickest funk you’ll ever hear.  Furthermore, as lit as 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 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!”

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Final Thoughts 💭

Let’s be honest. Anytime there’s a protest song, it’s controversial.  That’s the case with “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud.”  Controversial by default doesn’t mean wrong.  James Brown had a legitimate point, one that continues to resonate more than 50 years after the record first arrived.

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Also appears on 🔽:
🔗 🎧 ‘Say it Loud,’ Beautiful Black Voices
🔗 🎧 15 More Soul Oldies That Tickle My Fancy (Vol. 2)

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🎙 James Brown • 💿 The 50^th Anniversary Collection • 🏷 UMG Recordings, Inc. • 📅 2003
James Brown, “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud”: Controversial Tunes 😈🎶 No. 32 [📷: Aidan Feddersen on Unsplash, Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype, UMG Recordings, Inc.]

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