Five Underrated Blaxploitation Scores

I came across this article on the blog Way Black When -- "25 Reasons We Love Blaxploitation Films." I wholeheartedly agree with point number 4 - the best soundtracks.

Too often, however, everyone celebrates the same old songs: Isaac Hayes' "Theme from Shaft," Curtis Mayfield's "Superfly" and Bobby Womack's "Across 110th St." Don't get me wrong. All of these are indredibly cool songs, but let's give credit to some vastly underrated tracks:

1) James Brown: "Black Caesar"
The Black Caesar soundtrack is mind blowing. In addition to solid tracks from Soul Brother #1, Lyn Collins contributes the the killer "Mama Feel Good."

The lead-in song "Down and Out in New York City" sets the pace for this morality tale. Brown's vocals steal the show on this one:



My favorite track, however, is this funker "The Boss." The song is perfect for the movie and remains an anthem for players everywhere.



2) Roy Ayers: "Coffy"
Vibesmaster Roy Ayers delivers a very groovy score to a very raw movie. This great song, "Coffy is the Color," opens the movie...as does an exploding skull scene.



And this song needs to be played when any pimp enters the room.



3) Willie Hutch: "The Mack"
Any would-be pimp or player needs to check out "The Mack." Story-wise it's very similar to "Black Caesar." Willie Hutch who penned Jackson 5 classic "I'll Be There" (and the "Foxy Brown" score) contributes some fine songs to this morality tale including this upbeat number.



4)Billy Preston: "Slaughter"
"Slaughter" is one of my favorite movies from the blaxploitation genre. James Brown did songs for the sequel, "Slaughter's Big Rip Off." Billy Preston, however, is in very fine form with this title track. The lyrics are badass, and the music is fantastic. What else could you expect from a guy who jammed with the Beatles and the Stones?? This song also made a comeback as part of the "Inglorious Basterds" soundtrack.



5) Marvin Gaye: "Trouble Man"
The crown prince of soul got in on the "blaxploitation" game. His "Trouble Man" soundtrack is vastly underrated and underplayed. Here's a live cut from the man himself.


Marvin Gaye - Trouble Man (Theme)