Revolution

Here's a look at the b-sides to the "Revolution" single from the "Malcolm X" soundtrack. Arrested Development was so big at the time that they were chosen by Spike Lee to write this for one of the biggest movies of the time. It seemed like everywhere you went, people were wearing X hats and African medallions- yes, even here in Omaha, Nebraska (which is actually where Malcolm X was born for those who don't know, although his family did not stay long due to the horrific racial conditions). So needless to say, this was a big deal at the time and I loved watching the video on TV. I remember checking out the soundtrack from the library a few times just to listen to this song.

So would this song go on to become as big as another Spike Lee chosen song, "Fight the Power" by Public Enemy? Well, no, but there's no shame in having the second biggest Spike Lee film-influenced song when "Fight the Power" is number one. "Fight the Power" is arguably the greatest hip hop song ever made so no shame in falling a little short of that standard. In short, this is a classic.

As far as what was included on the single, it's pretty loaded. "Another Perspective" is a remix, "The Revolution Broadcast Live on 'Da Airwaves" is a fancy way of saying "radio edit," and "The Drums of Change" is an instrumental of sorts- when I bought it I was hoping it was an unheard song, but it's kind of a jam session instrumental featuring strongly, yes, the drums. And of course the last song is the Instrumental version. Anyway, great song, and this single is a great way to delve deeper into it. I have yet to see the movie though..... I think I'm going to make a point to do that soon.

Of course, a radio edit for AD doesn't mean the same thing it does for most rap artists, meaning there are no words mixed backwards or erased, it just cuts down the introduction to make it a little more radio friendly. Here are the b-sides:

Another Perspective

The Revolution Broadcast Live on 'Da Airwaves

The Drums of Change

Revolution (Instrumental)