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British Urban Music We hardly ever have threads here about British urban acts.
The Brits have always absorbed, adapted and (in some cases) innovated urban music since the time of the British Invasion of the 1960s. So, I'm going to list ten classics and it'd be great if everybody else could post more. Loose Ends - Hanging On A String http://www.youtube.com/wa...kP16ZarYPQ Posted earlier today by Bboy87. I think this is a great example of British post-disco soul. There's an economy in a lot of British music from the mid 1980s which is striking when compared to U.S. output at that time. Compare this laidback groove to the frenetic pace of Ready For The World's 'Oh Sheila' which was released the same year - or even Aretha's 'Freeway Of Love' and 'Who's Zooming Who'. The instrumentation on on this track is barely there - it just floats. Freez - Southern Freeze http://www.youtube.com/wa..._qAmjVpzXs It's basically Acid Jazz ten years early. It's jazzy, groovy but has a strange cold sound. I love how the vocal delivery isn't overblown typical diva screeching. Talking of Acid Jazz... Brand New Heavies - Never Stop http://www.youtube.com/wa...yRPfK-U0Oc There's an over-riding jazziness to all British "soul" music. Unlike the rare-groove scene of the 80s, the 90s Acid Jazz movement injected a little sunshine into the proceedings. Less synthesised and more organic with more reliance on breaks than constant riffs. Lisa Stansfield - Change http://www.youtube.com/wa...711hQkDnMQ I know that everybody will forever associate her with 'Around The World', but this is my favourite song of her's. The Frankie Knuckles mix is amazing if you can get hold of it. Massive Attack - Unfinished Sympathy http://www.youtube.com/wa...1svI-owtWA Back when Massive Attack were more trip-hop than just plain trippy! This song stopped me in my tracks the first time I heard it. I'd previously heard strings and beats mixed together like this, but the addition of Shara Nelson's heartfelt vocals elevated this. It still affects me to this day. Dusty Springfield - Son Of A Preacher Man http://www.youtube.com/wa...JM5K51peVw If you don't own the 'Dusty In Memphis' album, you need to. There's an intimacy in Dusty's voice which never sounds forced or false. She also rocked a beehive much better than Amy Winehouse. Amy Winehouse - Help Yourself http://www.youtube.com/wa...es2iFbpVZs There was a video, but it isn't on YouTube. I like her more recent album but this track is my favourite song of her's. I raved about her when the 'Frank' album came out but I guess it just wasn't her time. Imagination - Body Talk http://www.youtube.com/wa...RCZM2kRQ1c This was sampled on Mariah's last album - I think. It's amazing how it still sounds fresh after 26 years. That piano line is fabulous!!! Omar - There's Nothing Like This http://www.youtube.com/wa...FnclBOlr6o The true instigator of Neo Soul. Nothing else sounded like this in 1991. Simply Red - Holding Back The Years http://www.youtube.com/wa...bQl14tJIWM It helps if you close your eyes when you listen. 
Mica Paris - My One Temptation http://www.youtube.com/wa...33dQ4uM3ew She seems to have put her singing career on a back-burner, which is a shame. She hosts a rubbish make-over show on BBC1 tv and has a gospel radio show on BBC Radio 2. Neneh Cherry - Buffalo Stance http://www.youtube.com/wa...EQCOshGwPI Yes, I know she's Swedish/American but since her teens she's been based in London and the production of this record was resolutely British... I just see this as a British record. Love her mockney accent when she says "Wot is he loike"? Soul II Soul - Back To Life http://www.youtube.com/wa...SQdLxpZXR4 Probably the greatest British urban single ever. How many times since first hearing this did you hear that beat replicated? What happened to the days when kids would buy good music? And that's all for now. I haven't even mentioned Des'ree, Beverley Knight, Incognito, James Taylor Quartet, The Average White Band, Coldcut, Sade, Lynden David Hall, Craig David, Ms. Dynamite and many, many others. So, post more!!! | |
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Justin1972UK said: We hardly ever have threads here about British urban acts.
The Brits have always absorbed, adapted and (in some cases) innovated urban music since the time of the British Invasion of the 1960s. So, I'm going to list ten classics and it'd be great if everybody else could post more. Loose Ends - Hanging On A String http://www.youtube.com/wa...kP16ZarYPQ Posted earlier today by Bboy87. I think this is a great example of British post-disco soul. There's an economy in a lot of British music from the mid 1980s which is striking when compared to U.S. output at that time. Compare this laidback groove to the frenetic pace of Ready For The World's 'Oh Sheila' which was released the same year - or even Aretha's 'Freeway Of Love' and 'Who's Zooming Who'. The instrumentation on on this track is barely there - it just floats. Freez - Southern Freeze http://www.youtube.com/wa..._qAmjVpzXs It's basically Acid Jazz ten years early. It's jazzy, groovy but has a strange cold sound. I love how the vocal delivery isn't overblown typical diva screeching. Talking of Acid Jazz... Brand New Heavies - Never Stop http://www.youtube.com/wa...yRPfK-U0Oc There's an over-riding jazziness to all British "soul" music. Unlike the rare-groove scene of the 80s, the 90s Acid Jazz movement injected a little sunshine into the proceedings. Less synthesised and more organic with more reliance on breaks than constant riffs. Lisa Stansfield - Change http://www.youtube.com/wa...711hQkDnMQ I know that everybody will forever associate her with 'Around The World', but this is my favourite song of her's. The Frankie Knuckles mix is amazing if you can get hold of it. Massive Attack - Unfinished Sympathy http://www.youtube.com/wa...1svI-owtWA Back when Massive Attack were more trip-hop than just plain trippy! This song stopped me in my tracks the first time I heard it. I'd previously heard strings and beats mixed together like this, but the addition of Shara Nelson's heartfelt vocals elevated this. It still affects me to this day. Dusty Springfield - Son Of A Preacher Man http://www.youtube.com/wa...JM5K51peVw If you don't own the 'Dusty In Memphis' album, you need to. There's an intimacy in Dusty's voice which never sounds forced or false. She also rocked a beehive much better than Amy Winehouse. Amy Winehouse - Help Yourself http://www.youtube.com/wa...es2iFbpVZs There was a video, but it isn't on YouTube. I like her more recent album but this track is my favourite song of her's. I raved about her when the 'Frank' album came out but I guess it just wasn't her time. Imagination - Body Talk http://www.youtube.com/wa...RCZM2kRQ1c This was sampled on Mariah's last album - I think. It's amazing how it still sounds fresh after 26 years. That piano line is fabulous!!! Omar - There's Nothing Like This http://www.youtube.com/wa...FnclBOlr6o The true instigator of Neo Soul. Nothing else sounded like this in 1991. Simply Red - Holding Back The Years http://www.youtube.com/wa...bQl14tJIWM It helps if you close your eyes when you listen.
Mica Paris - My One Temptation http://www.youtube.com/wa...33dQ4uM3ew She seems to have put her singing career on a back-burner, which is a shame. She hosts a rubbish make-over show on BBC1 tv and has a gospel radio show on BBC Radio 2. Neneh Cherry - Buffalo Stance http://www.youtube.com/wa...EQCOshGwPI Yes, I know she's Swedish/American but since her teens she's been based in London and the production of this record was resolutely British... I just see this as a British record. Love her mockney accent when she says "Wot is he loike"? Soul II Soul - Back To Life http://www.youtube.com/wa...SQdLxpZXR4 Probably the greatest British urban single ever. How many times since first hearing this did you hear that beat replicated? What happened to the days when kids would buy good music? And that's all for now. I haven't even mentioned Des'ree, Beverley Knight, Incognito, James Taylor Quartet, The Average White Band, Coldcut, Sade, Lynden David Hall, Craig David, Ms. Dynamite and many, many others. So, post more!!! you are officially my new friend!
who else were part of the british post disco soul scene? "We may deify or demonize them but not ignore them. And we call them genius, because they are the people who change the world." |
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Justin1972UK said: Loose Ends - Hanging On A String
http://www.youtube.com/wa...kP16ZarYPQ Posted earlier today by Bboy87. I think this is a great example of British post-disco soul. There's an economy in a lot of British music from the mid 1980s which is striking when compared to U.S. output at that time. Compare this laidback groove to the frenetic pace of Ready For The World's 'Oh Sheila' which was released the same year - or even Aretha's 'Freeway Of Love' and 'Who's Zooming Who'. The instrumentation on on this track is barely there - it just floats. I really like "Hanging on a String (Contemplating)," even though it sounds too much like The S.O.S. Band's "No One's Gonna Love You." Justin1972UK said: Soul II Soul - Back To Life
http://www.youtube.com/wa...SQdLxpZXR4 Probably the greatest British urban single ever. How many times since first hearing this did you hear that beat replicated? What happened to the days when kids would buy good music? I would say your words apply more fittingly to Soul II Soul's first seminal hit, "Keep on Movin.'" The version of "Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)" that became popular is a remixed version of the only other song on the album that had a Caron Wheeler vocal. The reason why the record company wanted another Wheeler-performed song is because of the huge success of "Keep on Movin.'" [Edited 10/4/07 18:42pm] THE TRAFFIC JAMMERS, The Org's house band: VAINANDY -- lead singer; NAJEE -- bass; THE AUDIENCE -- guitar; PHUNKDADDY -- rhythm guitar; ALEX de PARIS -- keyboards; Da PRETTYMAN -- keyboards; FUNKENSTEIN -- drums. HOLD ON TO YOUR DRAWERS! |
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I'll nominate 10 songs not named Loose End's "Hanging on a String (Contemplating)" that I feel had arguably the greatest impact on the soul charts in the United States:
1.) Soul II Soul "Keep on Movin.'" The combination of its reggae rhythm and dance shuffle made this one of the most memorable songs of the 1980s. 2.) Lisa Stansfield "All around the World." A brilliant song with its catchy hook and bridge that is forever linked to this songstress. 3.) Sade "Smooth Operator." The jazzy, laid-back nature of Sade's signature song contrasted the heavily synthesized music of its peers. 4.) Wham! "Careless Whisper." Just a classic, timeless ballad featuring George Michael's anguished vocals. 5.) George Michael "One More Try." IMO, the best George Michael ever sounded. He displayed great power, flexibility and vulnerability. 6.) Lisa Stansfield "All Woman." Talk about a powerful song with convincing lyrics. 7.) Sade "Paradise." A breezy, calming song that is appropriately named where Sade takes the listener. 8.) Billy Ocean "Love Zone." As incredibly pop-oriented as his '80s run was, that made this soulful song with its throbbing bass line all the more pleasurable. 9.) The Culture Club "Miss Me Blind." The British band's lone top 10 soul hit, the uptempo beat and Boy George's vocals make it a great sing-along tune. 10.) Five Star "Let Me Be the One." Another standout song from Nick Martinelli, who produced "Hanging on a String (Contemplating)." [Edited 10/6/07 18:02pm] THE TRAFFIC JAMMERS, The Org's house band: VAINANDY -- lead singer; NAJEE -- bass; THE AUDIENCE -- guitar; PHUNKDADDY -- rhythm guitar; ALEX de PARIS -- keyboards; Da PRETTYMAN -- keyboards; FUNKENSTEIN -- drums. HOLD ON TO YOUR DRAWERS! |
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Here are some I found:
52nd Street: I'll Return: http://youtube.com/watch?v=jqlGw9rEZn4 You're My Last Chance: http://youtube.com/watch?v=mXpX4I6r-Ok "We may deify or demonize them but not ignore them. And we call them genius, because they are the people who change the world." |
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bboy87 said: who else were part of the british post disco soul scene?
Well, I saw on that other thread that you found Linx! Here's Central Line: http://www.youtube.com/wa...70ozvL_by4 and here's Beggar & Co.: http://www.youtube.com/wa...Mcqmn6kOgI Princess! This video's awful : http://www.youtube.com/wa...cWT1tvS1Po
Shakatak: http://www.youtube.com/wa...DNAQAYhvmo Heatwave: http://www.youtube.com/wa...fmEqMRWmsg Maybe Heatwave were more international than purely British but their early successes were made whilst based in London. They easily made the transition from disco to post-disco and of course Englishman Rod Temperton went on to write the post-disco classic 'Thriller'. [Edited 10/6/07 10:21am] | |
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Justin1972UK said: bboy87 said: who else were part of the british post disco soul scene?
Well, I saw on that other thread that you found Linx! Here's Central Line: http://www.youtube.com/wa...70ozvL_by4 and here's Beggar & Co.: http://www.youtube.com/wa...Mcqmn6kOgI Princess! This video's awful : http://www.youtube.com/wa...cWT1tvS1Po
Shakatak: http://www.youtube.com/wa...DNAQAYhvmo Heatwave: http://www.youtube.com/wa...fmEqMRWmsg Maybe Heatwave were more international than purely British but their early successes were made whilst based in London. They easily made the transition from disco to post-disco and of course Englishman Rod Temperton went on to write the post-disco classic 'Thriller'. [Edited 10/6/07 10:21am] Now ya talking here's my 10pence worth...and my theme tune....all ways makes me think of home..  http://www.youtube.com/wa...m_kbVwaWCoDa, Da, Da....Emancipation....Free..don't think I ain't..! London 21 Nights...Clap your hands...you know the rest..
James Brown & Michael Jackson RIP, your music still lives with us! | |
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LondonStyle said: Now ya talking here's my 10pence worth...and my theme tune....all ways makes me think of home..
http://www.youtube.com/wa...m_kbVwaWCoThat's Beggar & Co again! They changed their name from Light Of The World - I don't know why. | |
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Justin1972UK said: LondonStyle said: Now ya talking here's my 10pence worth...and my theme tune....all ways makes me think of home..
http://www.youtube.com/wa...m_kbVwaWCoThat's Beggar & Co again! They changed their name from Light Of The World - I don't know why. Gotta check but no they have always been LOTW will check and get back!  Da, Da, Da....Emancipation....Free..don't think I ain't..! London 21 Nights...Clap your hands...you know the rest..
James Brown & Michael Jackson RIP, your music still lives with us! | |
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LISA STANSFIELD is the soul goddess!!  her "Face Up" album was sorely overlooked. "Let's Just Call It Love" is a pure classic.
SIMPLY RED is another of my favourite groups. it's been hard keepi9ng up with them/him lately as there seems to be a new album or collection every six months. 
LOVE ♪♫♪♫ ♣¤═══¤۩۞۩ஜ۩ஜ۩۞۩¤═══¤♣ | |
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CHIC0 said: LISA STANSFIELD is the soul goddess!!
her "Face Up" album was sorely overlooked. "Let's Just Call It Love" is a pure classic.
SIMPLY RED is another of my favourite groups. it's been hard keepi9ng up with them/him lately as there seems to be a new album or collection every six months.  I hope Lisa make a comeback one day. And speaking of Simply Red, I love their new song. 
Lisa, Simply Red, Soul II Soul and Loose Ends were the greatest in Brit R&B for real. [Edited 10/6/07 20:39pm] | |
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Timmy84 said: CHIC0 said: LISA STANSFIELD is the soul goddess!!
her "Face Up" album was sorely overlooked. "Let's Just Call It Love" is a pure classic.
SIMPLY RED is another of my favourite groups. it's been hard keepi9ng up with them/him lately as there seems to be a new album or collection every six months. I hope Lisa make a comeback one day. And speaking of Simply Red, I love their new song.
Lisa, Simply Red, Soul II Soul and Loose Ends were the greatest in Brit R&B for real 
do you have Lisa's last album, "the Moment"? it was a great album, but i can see where it wasn't a strong album. Simply Red..i see new albums in stores before i even hear anything. LOL. but both Simply Red & Lisa; i buy their stuff on sight! i don't have to hear anything 1st.
LOVE ♪♫♪♫ ♣¤═══¤۩۞۩ஜ۩ஜ۩۞۩¤═══¤♣ | |
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CHIC0 said: Timmy84 said: I hope Lisa make a comeback one day. And speaking of Simply Red, I love their new song.
Lisa, Simply Red, Soul II Soul and Loose Ends were the greatest in Brit R&B for real
do you have Lisa's last album, "the Moment"? it was a great album, but i can see where it wasn't a strong album. Simply Red..i see new albums in stores before i even hear anything. LOL. but both Simply Red & Lisa; i buy their stuff on sight! i don't have to hear anything 1st. Wish I did, I was always the last to know, lol. I checked her Wikipedia page a few years ago and didn't even know she'd put an album OUT!  But I swear to God if she comes back, I'm buying it. | |
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I think it's kinda sad black British music and black American music is so disconnected  "We may deify or demonize them but not ignore them. And we call them genius, because they are the people who change the world." |
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bboy87 said: I think it's kinda sad black British music and black American music is so disconnected
Yeah and we're so fucked too, lol, with what we call Black "American" music these days.  | |
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Timmy84 said: bboy87 said: I think it's kinda sad black British music and black American music is so disconnected
Yeah and we're so fucked too, lol, with what we call Black "American" music these days. It's the same in the UK though. There's very few urban acts which make the charts whom aren't peddling hip-hop-pop. Simon Webbe http://www.youtube.com/wa...aJNhE6Ixnk Jamelia http://www.youtube.com/wa...Xx8MFIeMas Beverley Knight http://www.youtube.com/wa...obWLTdCzvo Lemar http://www.youtube.com/wa...K3QXZDmk-s | |
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bboy87 said: I think it's kinda sad black British music and black American music is so disconnected
The BBC has a nationwide urban radio station called 1Xtra, although (rather depressingly) their playlists are littered with the interchangeable and faceless hip-hop-pop that I hate. However, two DJs stay on the smooth side of RnB: DJ B and Ronnie Herel. http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/djb/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/ronnieherel/ As with all the BBC's broadcasts, there are "listen again" options. | |
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There is one British Soul album that is by far the most neglected and overlooked. That's Caron Wheeler's UK Black album. It is far better than most of the other albums mentioned in this thread. Caron is one of the best soul singers of the last twenty years and a great songwriter to boot. Also overlooked is Mica Paris's Contribution from 1991. It's got one track written by Prince on it, but the highlights of the album are the title track and "South Of The River".
P.S. British Urban Music at the moment is shitter than the American equivalent and has been for over a decade. “The man who never looks into a newspaper is better informed than he who reads them, inasmuch as he who knows nothing is nearer to truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors.”
- Thomas Jefferson | |
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Now that we've got all these UK Soul fans in one place, maybe y'all can tell me why this thread of mine sunk like the Titanic....
http://prince.org/msg/8/240887 “The man who never looks into a newspaper is better informed than he who reads them, inasmuch as he who knows nothing is nearer to truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors.”
- Thomas Jefferson | |
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midnightmover said: Now that we've got all these UK Soul fans in one place, maybe y'all can tell me why this thread of mine sunk like the Titanic....
http://prince.org/msg/8/240887  I dunno.
Anyway - what's good in the UK now? Is there anybody up-and-coming? | |
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Justin1972UK said: midnightmover said: Now that we've got all these UK Soul fans in one place, maybe y'all can tell me why this thread of mine sunk like the Titanic....
http://prince.org/msg/8/240887 I dunno.
Anyway - what's good in the UK now? Nothing that I'm aware of. It's mostly a wasteland of grime, bad hip hop, and sub-par R&B. “The man who never looks into a newspaper is better informed than he who reads them, inasmuch as he who knows nothing is nearer to truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods and errors.”
- Thomas Jefferson | |
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SilverlakePhil said: Excellent choice. Another favorite of mine from Junior is "Too Late." THE TRAFFIC JAMMERS, The Org's house band: VAINANDY -- lead singer; NAJEE -- bass; THE AUDIENCE -- guitar; PHUNKDADDY -- rhythm guitar; ALEX de PARIS -- keyboards; Da PRETTYMAN -- keyboards; FUNKENSTEIN -- drums. HOLD ON TO YOUR DRAWERS! |
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A British-based American, Kym Mazelle: http://www.youtube.com/wa...drdXYGLh-U
Paul Hardcastle (can't remember who the vocalist is though): http://www.youtube.com/wa...OV9tBi__9U Jaki Graham: http://www.youtube.com/wa...W0h7FFV5ew Ruby Turner: http://www.youtube.com/wa...yAgxv6q_lU She posts her own YouTube videos and responds to all the comments! . [Edited 10/7/07 12:45pm] | |
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The Pasadenas: http://www.youtube.com/wa...4fdon56260
Curiosity Killed The Cat: http://www.youtube.com/wa...4N-dF3J9bo Skinny posh white boys and Andy Warhol bringing da funk!
Des'ree: http://www.youtube.com/wa...hpZfltbnAQ Bee Gees: http://www.youtube.com/wa...6ccjD_hfSk We can claim Terence Trent D'Arby as one of us, can't we? He's been here long enough... http://www.youtube.com/wa...LBRsuuA1CA . [Edited 10/7/07 12:46pm] | |
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Justin1972UK said: bboy87 said: I think it's kinda sad black British music and black American music is so disconnected
The BBC has a nationwide urban radio station called 1Xtra, although (rather depressingly) their playlists are littered with the interchangeable and faceless hip-hop-pop that I hate. However, two DJs stay on the smooth side of RnB: DJ B and Ronnie Herel. http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/djb/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/ronnieherel/ As with all the BBC's broadcasts, there are "listen again" options. I like 1xtra. We need something like it in America to simply bridge the gap. "We may deify or demonize them but not ignore them. And we call them genius, because they are the people who change the world." |
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Justin1972UK said: A British-based American, Kym Mazelle: http://www.youtube.com/wa...drdXYGLh-U
. [Edited 10/7/07 12:45pm] I like the work she did with Soul II Soul. http://www.youtube.com/wa...H4HGnsaNOM [Edited 10/7/07 16:45pm] | |
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bboy87 said: I like 1xtra.
We need something like it in America to simply bridge the gap. Which gap? | |
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Justin1972UK said: bboy87 said: I like 1xtra.
We need something like it in America to simply bridge the gap. Which gap? I know in the UK, American r&b and hip hop gets alot of play on the radio and tv, but in the US, alot of people don't know there are urban acts in the UK! Hell, there are people who I go to school with who were surprised that there were blacks in Britain  "We may deify or demonize them but not ignore them. And we call them genius, because they are the people who change the world." |
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