your n° 1 record: double k from parkdale funk

When Blueprint first asked me to pick my number one 45 or LP of all time, I had a million different titles running through my mind. At first I was going through all my rare and unknown 45s hoping to stump everyone with something you’ve never heard before. However, that really wouldn’t represent what this series is all about and sometimes the best things aren’t always hard to find. I thought to myself, if I was stuck on an island and I could only bring one album with me what would it be? “Enter The Wu Tang Clan: 36 Chambers” came to mind, however I definitely have to go with Syl Johnson’s “Is It Because I’m Black” LP.

I first got introduced to Syl when I was listening to Wu-Tang's “Hollow Bones” (off the W album). I’ve always been impressed by Rza’s production, but this one song was flawless, I just loved it. I went out and got the single because I really wanted the instrumental and ended up listening to it over and over again. I never felt so much emotion off an instrumental before; I just had to know where this sample came from. After some digging around I found out that it came from Syl Johnson and the title song to the “Is It Because I’m Black” album. I got myself a copy and since then Syl has been my number one singer, songwriter, arranger and producer.

“Is it Because I’m Black” is often referred to as one of the best soul albums to come out of Chicago, but I need to correct that – it’s one of the best albums to ever come out. This is more than just a music album, it’s also a history lesson. Syl takes you on a lyrical journey all while keeping the production fly, soulful and funky. This album is so amazing on so many different levels.

Here are a few cuts off the album, I hope you’ll enjoy.

Is It Because I’m Black
Concrete Reservation
I’m Talkin Bout Freedom

Double K

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