Be Black Baby

Recorded in 1971 for Grady Tate's album Movin' Day. Tate was backed by top New York session musicians, combining his distinctive baritone vocal style with contemporary soul and jazz-funk arrangements. The song reflected the growing influence of Black consciousness themes in soul and jazz during the early 1970s. Tate's version brought a sophisticated jazz sensibility to a socially engaged composition by Eugene McDaniels. The recording became a favorite among rare-groove collectors and was later rediscovered by hip-hop producers and DJs. Its powerful message and deep groove have sustained its reputation beyond its original release.