A Look At Some Of Our Favorite Blaxploitation Jams

Article by Aaron Haughton

Perhaps the most lasting element to come out of the blaxploitation movement of the 70s was the music. Some of the most iconic names in funk, R&B and soul contributed to the lush, energetic soundscapes that inhabited the genre's many films. On several occasions, the music becomes bigger and more larger-than-life than the genre's many vibrant characters, and even the films themselves. Take the most infamous and iconic blaxploitation picture, Shaft, for instance. The film can't come to mind without Issac Hayes' driving score.

There's no denying that the music in these films gave them a fresh energy and swagger that kicked up the cool. We wanted to pay homage to the effervescent sounds of the blaxploitation era, and have decided to compile a few of our favorites for your listening pleasure, which you can listen to on Spotify. We've also listed some of absolute favorites below. Enjoy!

• "Sweetback's Theme", Martin Van Peebles (performed by Earth, Wind & Fire)

• "Car Wash", Rose Royce

• "Theme from Shaft", Issac Hayes

• "Superfly", Curtis Mayfield

• "Trouble Man", Marvin Gaye

• "Across 110th Street", Bobby Womack

• "Theme from Foxy Brown", Willie Hutch

What do you think? Did we leave out your favorite blaxploitation jam? We want to know. Share your thoughts and feelings in the comments section below, and as always, remember to viddy well, sucka!