The Watts Prophets – Rappin' Black In A White World

Not a promo. Just a stamp. Words words words words.

Although i am not from the culture, ethnicity and country that the artists are from the entire journey that you go through listening to this album has struck me to the core. Everytime i listen to it my heart breaks. I feel the anger, rage, pain, love, confusion and attitude that comes pouring out of this record. If anyone wants to understand why black america is angry then all you need to do is listen to this album.

You may not be black but you can listen to this album and feel their struggle. Its so harsh. The words they use in this record strike at the heart of the massive argument that is ongoing about language and race.

I don't necessarily agree with everything they say. Some of their arguments have some semantic errors like whinging about the moonshot (probably because it rhymed) rather then using the massive military budget. Whilst for all their pragmatism their still religious, believing in a christian god (who quite frankly forsake them as he has everyone who has been tortured or died an unjust death). But all those little things aside this is a master of an album, musically and lyrically. Its now in my top 5 albums.

Which is hard to share. A lot of people get indigidnant with the anger in this album. "my family didn't enslave black people" so why should i be responsible and so on. But you're missing the point and truth. If that is what is preventing you from listening to this album then you have much to learn.

The first time i listen to this album it left me in tears. And that is something i'll never forget. This is truth rap. This is true music.

Pain

Pain Pain Pain
A little for some and whole lot for others
Complete oppression for those who never understand in this society pain is a part of man, pain, pain.
Endure you must or be crushed
Pain Pain Pain Pain Pain Pain
Like fine eyes burning flesh leave me sane do not mix my mind and leave me blind
the pain of a disease that has no cure
the pain of a love affair that got no where, Pain
the pain of system where oppression you must bear, PAIN
the pain of a war that has no end, PAIN
cruel people that inflict pain
PAIN PAIN PAIN PAIN PAIN
for monetary gain
the pain that a man has endure when two junior flip hot rod loving pig policeman PAIN put him in position where he must choose against humiliation as a man or death
PAIN PAIN PAIN
like busting baby heads against cement walls, PAIN, PAIN.
or people going to the moon whilst little brothers and Watts hussling hard all night trying to eat
hand me down hats hand me down shoes everything used
and then you sick peckerwoods want to know why we don't follow rules, PAIN
there are two little brothers that i know who would someday would like to go to a show, yeah just a plain ole 50 cent show
how much did you say that last moonshot cost, leave your head coz you ought to be dead

"What is man", "A Pimp", "Tenements", "The Master", is one continuous track, that is the pinnacle of this album. / Chugs1984 your review is very impressive, it gives an incite to this album that may open peoples ears and minds to one of the most thought provoking and direct statements that have been put to record / recorded as music / poetry . This album should be listed as one of the greats within its own category and be more widely known. We only have ourselves to blame, These guys must have had so much pressure after recording this.Trying to open up our Minds, Eyes and Ears and yet they have been widely ignored.