Sly & The Family Stone, “Don’t Call Me N—–, Whitey” | Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶

In the 46^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2022), we recollect and reflect on “Don’t Call Me N—–, Whitey” by Sly & The Family Stone.   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶! Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils 🦴! All genres of music are welcome – we don’t discriminate ‘round here! On the 46^th edition of Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 (2022), we recollect and reflect on 🎵 “Don’t Call Me Nigger, Whitey”, performed by 🎙 Sly & The Family Stone. 

Theme & Lyrics ✍

“Don’t call me nigger, whitey / Don’t call me whitey, nigger.” Um… yikes 😬 😬 😬! Racial epithets naturally raise eyebrows for good reason – they are utterly insensitive and disrespectful. At first glance, 🎵 “Don’t Call Me Nigger, Whitey” by 🎙 Sly & The Family Stone seems, um, ‘rough around the edges.’ Anytime the hard N-word is used, it’s sketchy, whether it’s in the hands of black musicians or otherwise.  That said, while “Don’t Call Me Nigger, Whitey” might be shocking, it’s not aimed at being disrespectful. Instead, it seeks to combat racism, albeit using simple lyrics.

Here’s the deal (totally NOT quoting that Kellyanne Conway book 📚 that I REFUSE to read 🤢🤮), racism and racial tension are part of the history of the United States, unfortunately.  The core lyrics, hence, promote coexisting sans name-calling and being insensitive or disrespectful.  Beyond those repeated lyrics on this six-minute gem, the only other lyrics – a singular verse – are performed by 🎙 Rose Stone:

“Well, I went down across the country

And I heard two voices ring

They were talkin’ funky to each other

And neither other could change a thing.”

Interesting – very interesting.  Again, it all comes down to pronounced racial tensions.  Moving beyond that serious theme, “Don’t Call Me Nigger, Whitey” is one of the funkiest songs in the Sly & The Family Stone catalog. It all starts with the rhythmic intro, which recurs throughout the record.  And of course, with the innovative 🎙 Larry Graham on bass 🎸, you know this sugar honey iced tea is fire!

Final Thoughts 💭

Personally, I’m not a fan of racial epithets and slurs.  In the case of 🎵 “Don’t Call Me Nigger, Whitey”, 🎙 Sly & The Family Stone have good intentions – nothing sinister.  Still, it’s not one of those Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 you can get away with playing anywhere.  Regardless, this song kicks ass, and I dare anybody to tell me otherwise!

🎙 Sly & The Family Stone • 💿 Stand • 🏷 Sony Music Entertainment • 🗓 5.3.1969

Sly & The Family Stone, “Don’t Call Me Nigger, Whitey”: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 No. 46 (2022) [📷: Brent Faulkner, Gerhard G., JL G via Pixabay,  Karl Hörnfeldt via Unsplash,  The Musical Hype, Sony Music Entertainment]