


Syl Johnson - Is It Because I'm Black LP
Before Sly Stone's “There's a Riot Goin' On” and Marvin Gaye's “What's Going On” made serious, socially-conscious statements a staple of 1970s soul music, Syl Johnson’s “It It Because I’m Black” was a groundbreaking declaration of black pride with a sad funk-blues groove. Although ultimately overshadowed by his labelmate Al Green during his heyday, Johnson’s songs have found their way into multiple high-profile rap and hip-hop tracks, giving his music a much-deserved second life.
Before Sly Stone's “There's a Riot Goin' On” and Marvin Gaye's “What's Going On” made serious, socially-conscious statements a staple of 1970s soul music, Syl Johnson’s “It It Because I’m Black” was a groundbreaking declaration of black pride with a sad funk-blues groove. Although ultimately overshadowed by his labelmate Al Green during his heyday, Johnson’s songs have found their way into multiple high-profile rap and hip-hop tracks, giving his music a much-deserved second life.
Before Sly Stone's “There's a Riot Goin' On” and Marvin Gaye's “What's Going On” made serious, socially-conscious statements a staple of 1970s soul music, Syl Johnson’s “It It Because I’m Black” was a groundbreaking declaration of black pride with a sad funk-blues groove. Although ultimately overshadowed by his labelmate Al Green during his heyday, Johnson’s songs have found their way into multiple high-profile rap and hip-hop tracks, giving his music a much-deserved second life.