Building a collage of dope recording artist can be a difficult process. Well in the town of Tulsa, Oklahoma; a band of creatives join together on the project Fire In Little Africa. For the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, the partnership with Motown Records, Black Forum, Bob Dylan Center, and Woody Guthrie Center release the 21 track collection. The artists heard on Fire in Little Africa get to the truth through urgent songs, recalling stories told and stories lived in hope to usher in a new era for Tulsa as they help the community process this generational trauma through music. Motown Records Chairman & CEO, Ethiopia Habtemariam said:
Fire in Little Africa is a powerful and timely project that provides a platform and outlet for the incredibly talented and thriving music community of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Carrying the legacy of the Black Wall Street community, Fire in Little Africa is a body of work filled with purpose and prolific storytelling. I am honored and feel privileged to have Motown Records/Black Forum partner with Dr. View, the Bob Dylan Center and Guthrie Center to release this impactful hip-hop album.
Charlie Wilson of The GAP Band recites:
I am honored to be a part of the Fire In Little Africa album featuring the musical contributions of young talented local artists from my hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma. This tragedy has been suppressed for generations. Growing up in Tulsa we named our band, The GAP Band, after Greenwood, Archer and Pine Streets, the wealthiest and most successful African American community in the United States in the early 20th century. I am proud to see a new generation of talented Tulsans continue to tell the story of our ancestors. They are opening the door for many generations to come by shedding light not only on the race massacre but the excellence of the Black Wall Street and Greenwood community.
The album was recorded in Greenwood over a five-day period in March 2020. Studios were set up at the Greenwood Cultural Center and other locations, including the former home of 1921 massacre mastermind/KKK leader Tate Brady. Using the spirit of the original members of Black Wall Street the tale continues to be told for the unity of the community. Visit the website for Fire In Little Africa now here. Take at look at the official video for Elevator With Hakeem Eli'juwon and Steph Simon. Also check out the track list below.
Track List:
1. Elevator
2. City of Dreams
3. Shining
4. Descendants
5. Regardless
6. Party Plane (Feat. Charlie Wilson)
7. Been Through It All
8. Drowning
9. Our World
10. Top Down
11. Creme of the Crop
12. 918 Thug Town Skit
13. Watchu On
14. P.O.D.
15. Reparations
16. P.O.D. Pt. II
17. Raw Cocaine
18. The Rain
19. North Tulsa Got Something to Say
20. Brunch at the Brady
21. Young & Free