James Brown - Dropping Knowledge (1983)

Filmed just a few weeks before his 50th Birthday, he explains both his musical and political philosophy and unloads his frustration with disco and with the concept of Black Unity. I love this interview with James Brown.
Watch the full clip here: • Brenda Malik interview...
Shared for historical purposes. I do not own the rights. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
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[@LenFnc]

"Ima doctor on your soul while you get your head together!" Damn!...bars!

[@aaronjacobs2716]

😎👍❤️🖤 💚

[@Suchapill]

Len F. An adept in mind power.

[@GOTSTRONG]

Len F. 💯❗️❗️❗️✊🏽

[@TSC36999]

Len F. 4sho!!!

[@marshownanderson8561]

He was and is a cold piece of work!!!!

[@muneyymike2686]

This was back when interviewers didn’t talk but listened.

[@americajanson8848]

Yes it was a good interview she asked questions and then listened .

[@joe.limbus]

@@americajanson8848 now the interviewer tries to be a celebrity and it just becomes a conversation instead of an interview

[@lefunk22]

Great point. Might not have have consciously noticed it unless someone pointed it out.

[@wilburmcbride8096]

@@joe.limbus Now a days, interviewers have an agenda and try to push for brownie points in the interview...

[@AbrahamLechLacha]

The female tried to jack the convo, but Brown shut her straight down... And ran her over!

[@JS-up8tk]

They NEVER show him in this way. Intelligent Black Man ✊🏿

[@robthebruce_81]

Because most interviews he is high on pcp!

[@dee6965]

That's the media! Make you believe what they say is truth but it not always probably most of the time

[@jamaalhorton2343]

Jason Scott NEVER!!

[@stevencorrea7982]

He a brown man.

[@ghanasoul]

Jason Scott that’s VERY true. Thank u for sayin that.

[@genus-belowfamilybutaboves4637]

Damn! I don’t want to live on my knees, I wanna die on my feet - Word to the Mother!

[@365handle]

Genus - Below Family but Above Species - Genus no Fuuc all of that... King never was on his knees and the way he died prove it. Standing up for for our people. ‘King said, Never let no one ☝️ take your manhood’. That’s just money 💴 he talking but when you mention the King name, come correct. King stood for his right to make his own moves so if he’s mad about people’s choice in music or his lazy son then maybe he need to check the man in the mirror. See this is why entertainers are just that.

[@kavijackson868]

ZAPPATTA

[@shanequaaustin8908]

I felt that!

[@dee6965]

The media made it seem like James Brown was stupid or crazy! This man had more sense than a little bit! He was brilliant!

[@hadessahf3549]

He was their puppet. When he did not toe the line, he was publicly humiliated.

[@peterphilipsen8136]

​@@hadessahf3549thats how it works, a sacrifice for the masters, fame and money in return. These American artists should be ignored not idolized

[@timdeepdog8985]

James brown knew alot that's why Michael Jackson looked up to him alot

[@Ošæs]

Tim Deepdog Lmao that’s not why, it’s was jus passion and his style

[@smoothoperator7023]

MJ just wanted to steal his dance moves....🙄

[@manatthegardenn]

@@smoothoperator7023 yh right michael had his own dance moves

[@HypnoticHollywood]

@@smoothoperator7023 Anyone with 2 brain cells knows MJ was just influenced by his idol like any other 9 year old kid would be, but Mike went on to create his own style and go down as the greatest dancer in history....🙄

[@awakenedblackheterosexual5609]

Michael Jackson learned from black men that were innovator's in the entertainment industry, and also white innovators too. Boogaloo Shrimp (turbo), Rod Temperton, Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie, Paul Mc Cartney just to name a few.

[@mrmaxxx94]

James brown kept it 💯 and didn't sugar coat a thing.he spoke from the heart and told the truth

[@chaucerparks5941]

Just the way he wrote and sang his songs...from his Heart...👍👍..✌💨💨🏃

[@stephdrake2521]

Yeah he’s uneducated about the system of white supremacy and how it works. Everyone doesn’t have the same opportunities. Know the difference

[@jungleninja8415]

In terms of black people dropping knowledge bon truth of oppression James brown didn't say much compared to say the likes of Bob Marley or gil Scot heron

[@roberthorton6619]

He was the real had to survive in a world no mother help father help

[@ElGuayo]

@@roberthorton6619 Bro, his fucking wife had to survive

[@genus-belowfamilybutaboves4637]

“Im talking bout 1 direction, straight ahead.”! James is no joke! “We just marching and wearing our shoes out.” Dayaum!

[@sylvester7320]

AND HE SAY THAT BACK IN 1983 NOW WE IN 2019 AND STILL MARCHING, W.T.F.

[@kalillionaireelsantos6713]

He just telling the truth and thats why some of us move different than others

[@davidhunt8378]

😔💯

[@davidhunt8378]

@@sylvester7320 Big Facts smh 😔💪💯

[@365handle]

Sylvester if it wasn’t for the Marches we wouldn’t even be able to vote and our rights would still be one equal to pets. Don’t you ever forget that our people suffered and died for your rights to talk this foolishness you saying now. Dick Gregory was right about some of you ignorant mfers. That’s that money talking and people get blinded by truth. ‘Truth doesn’t have to be validated by ignorance.

[@kelvingilchrist5175]

SOUTH CAROLINA born/AUGUSTA raised ✊🏾 I still have this very same mindset about music and life. That's why JB is still one of the most influential people in my life.

[@ellew4573]

“What are you going to do for yourself?” -Godfather of Soul

[@superstar7849]

James Brown was a true💎 even after his passing in 2006. His foundation still gives out turkeys to needing families for Thanksgiving. As well as a toy give away for children. He loved Augusta, Ga & we loved him too! Rest In Power James Brown🕊🕊

[@prcty]

"Open up the door, I'll get it myself is more heavy than say it loud Im black and I'm proud. " from the Godfathers lips..."we were so far behind so I thought that it was needed but say it loud I'm black and I'm proud was a setback for me. If you're proud dont say it prove it"

[@weloveurickey]

Black is bad B-Lack I prefer to say brown or darker

[@reasonrally6658]

At that time it needed to be said because black folks were not that proud yet!! Thank you Uncle James for kicking in the door!! 🤟😁

[@MadMaxMFP-dc6kw]

He was a self made man, who I truly believe put his trust in God and his effort into himself, He emphasized education and work

[@ShreddedAries]

I really appreciate you posting this. James Brown is my cousin and I was 6yrs old when he died. He supposed to been to my Family reunion (Brown Family) Barnwell, SC. But he had to go sing somewhere. But rip to my cousin godfather of soul💯. The woman that raised James Brown‘s Father was my great great auntie Mattie Brown

[@Jparnell847]

Kvng Breezy89 were you born in ‘89?

[@brianmcdew5826]

What your name my grandfather was a brown. My family told me the same thing about the family reunion he couldn’t attend, I’m in Florida.

[@citymorgue9283]

Bruh I'm a brown too

[@JP-en6cn]

For real my brother shalawam my word wow

[@ShreddedAries]

@@Jparnell847 nah bruh it was just a number I had used for the user name I had before

[@kalillionaireelsantos6713]

"Paid The Cost To Be A Boss" - J.B

[@missshannon9790]

And Papa don't take NO MESS!

[@MusaDays808]

He Meant "SELLING OUT TO THE DEVIL..." 🙄

[@og-greenmachine8623]

@Musa Days 808 We’ve all sold our souls to the devil! 👉🏽you goddamn fool. You’ll say I’m WRONG? then call yourself AmeriKKKan🇺🇸 I rest my case

[@jama3335]

His energy is powerful.

[@wandawilliams3110]

I met him in person, in 1975.. A wonderful. hueman being..

[@b.r2715]

Hueman, lmao 😂

[@tashabrevard1865]

Wanda Williams The year I was born 1975

[@amplifiedbible07]

@Nubiamancy what did he do that made him vile?

[@vanessatheurbantarotgoddes2192]

@@amplifiedbible07 beat all his wives

[@Imani_AM]

I hear all of the comments and know of the negative things he did, but I am still a big fan, and Wanda I think you're super lucky for getting to meet him!

[@chrisjohnson4039]

The Grand Architect of Funk. May the Universe be pleased with his contributions.

[@everetttanner1343]

He was the funk

[@MJ-ix7wm]

That's me and you. And I think we are... I sure am!!! ✌

[@cassiusjones4061]

Wonderfully said👏

[@MerkabaMM]

Love him so much!!! Augusta stand up! Every nation needs to give him props!!!!🌹🌹🌹

[@Audykun]

I could listen to him speak all day.He was a real SOUL MAN!!!

[@anthonycarter121]

He spoke the truth which made this interview powerful RIP James Brown 👍🏾🙏😇

[@Grm780-unlimited]

The God Father didn't have a lot of formal education but from this interview we can clearly see that he had a great deal of knowledge, wisdom and understanding.

[@shanequaaustin8908]

Excatly, that's real education!

[@toisongabdavis]

I am using that quote "I don't want to live on my knees, I wanna die on my feet".

[@curtisfranklin786]

Toi You see.

[@truthhurts1936]

This is a quote from Zapata emiliano A Mexican revolutionary "Better to die on your feet than live in your knees"

[@em-jay5370]

So am I

[@videocat1366]

Wow. Listen to him starting at 1:52. He had a technical understanding of the structure music. He wasn't just up there hollering. People underestimate him.

[@johneta7665]

No James Brown, No Rap Music!! Facts 💯

[@geraldjohnson3216]

Whats your ETA? Your so damn right

[@Ošæs]

John ETA you Tripping, hip hop was born in the 1970s

[@geraldjohnson3216]

@@Ošæs i get what his say n what hes sayin that alot of hip hop artist sample james brown and he was being sample alot then and now.now thats true hip hop was born in the 70s but hip hop has actually been around longer than that.your mothers mother use to speak hip hop when your mother was a child have u every heard the the dirty dozen if im correct were they take shots at each other but used words in a rhyming fashion.that was there way of dissin each other but they did it lyrically.

[@Ošæs]

Akoben Renaissance Soul is not hip hop, hip hop would still exist since it’s founded on stealing sounds and art from other genres

[@Ošæs]

Akoben Renaissance Not hip hop lmao, stop forcing that genre on s futurist like James Brown. He’s my idol and he only impacted hip hop through ad libs. That’s his only contribution, so you’re telling me hip hop would be nothing without ad libs lmao FOH

[@redcloudshaman2509]

None of us walking Gods Green Earth are perfect. We occasionally have our problems, but this man really did make a huge impact on the world. His confidence, his swagger and his work ethic are legendary. I can feel when he speaks that he speaks from the heart. To me, nothing else matters. He spoke the way of one true heart, and lived his truth. Thank you for your talent and wonderful memories. Thank you Mr. James Brown....

[@TrevorHamberger]

yeah baby we got it!

[@RobWill5864]

💯 James Brown is an icon because he never let anyone put him in a box.

[@Imani_AM]

This is such a great interview, I love to hear him talk like this, sharing knowledge and getting a bit of insight into how he saw the world. Very uplifting and powerful words 🎶

[@nativeamericancowboy5028]

I'm one of the few young black men alive, that still dance like James Brown till this day. And I'm proud to say that.

[@DifferentSounds2day]

Mannn STFU lmfao

[@wettyfap900]

Mannnnnnn, you need to go out more

[@Larrypint]

I am from Germany and have some of James browns moves in my repertoire.

[@geosoultwelve]

Gustavos Revenge the racism and bad grammar is oozing out this comment i can tell you don’t wipe your ass

[@Imani_AM]

I don't think this is true at all :), but I guess you mean mainstream. I'm a young woman myself, 23. Learning a lot about James Brown lately, I'm a pretty big fan 🎶

[@rayburton4867]

Preaching Man! This man started it all! Butane James was and will always be the King of soul!

[@charlesrichardson9435]

Thank you Mister James Brown for the love you have given us all💜

[@beeboy6967]

So blessed to have seen Mr James Brown live in concert. The Godfather, Hardest working man in show business. R.I.P. Mr Brown ( Gone but never forgotten )

[@p.burley4533]

Man this is good stuff. So brief, yet saying all that was needed.

[@JonMarM]

Most don't know the musical greatness of James Brown. Good musicians are able to imitate great musicians but great musicians create their own sound.

[@tricktreater1127]

To me he is up there with Mozart and Shakespeare

[@JonMarM]

@@tricktreater1127 Absolutely!!!

[@frankjohnson9372]

The Godfather ✊🏾💯💪🏾🙏🏾👍🏾

[@geraldjohnson3216]

Dont 4get Elvis lol

[@JR-iu8yl]

@@geraldjohnson3216 FUCK ELVIS

[@Imani_AM]

@@JR-iu8yl Exactly lol, Elvis was a freaking cover artist, and James could dance and sing circles around him

[@galacticcarbon2.039]

That was heavy,Long Live James Brown 💪💪💪

[@ramsfire]

Brother James was a "Visionary" and a "Griot" for the People. His Contribution to the "Context" of Music is LEGENDARY.. THE "Layers" in his Composition Style is truly IMMEASURERABLE and so unique that noone has even tried to duplicate it. He was Truly The GodFather.

[@PlayNiceFolks]

His role helped me the other day. My morose self, ya can't force it. Can't just play James Brown and make the pain go away...but it came up early one morning by chance, and altered the entire course of my day, all positive.

[@rafaelsocorro3363]

James brown always be in our hearts 💙. James brown we love you and miss you . God father of soul .

[@waynegore176]

I watched this 20 times, then I got my head together! Its time to make moves

[@julliusblackwell6239]

Happy to hear that my friend, good luck in life.

[@Imani_AM]

Great comment :) Good luck

[@d.warren9197]

Ok just fell in love with James Brown about a year and a half ago, then find out he is a fellow Taurus is mind blowing, and if by a few weeks you mean 4/26/83 my b-day, it would mean the world

[@Honey-jw6hb]

Happy birthday 🎂🎈

[@d.warren9197]

@@Honey-jw6hb Thank ya😉

[@haloskater24]

I’m a May 15th Taurus

[@d.warren9197]

@@haloskater24 turn up🎂🍸💃

[@Imani_AM]

I'm a Gemini, but always liked Taruses :) I liked learning that James Brown was a Taurus, too. I grew up on his mainstream hits, but just recently discovering some of his other stuff, realizing the excellence of his band, and interviews like these.

[@margaretsmith-thomas1773]

"Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud" of the real history and accomplishments of our ancestry that once all the races become aware of. Mr. Brown is speaking of truth, "Open the Door" so that one day we will get our heads together. Thanks Mr. J. B.

[@thebbqbodybuilder2114]

Man im a struggling alcoholic but you cant deny the perspective you have when you are "unruly" or under the influence. When I was high I let loose and was not afraid to spew the thoughts that I had/have. Rip James Brown im learning about u now

[@janaesimmons4672]

He had a "Brilliant Mind"

[@PaulGreen11]

"Until we change it individually."

[@beehay3361]

Marching and wearing your shoes out👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@tr377723]

The world didn't deserve his wisdom. He was the greatest entertainer that ever lived. He wasn't just an entertainer though, he was a wise soul. 1:34.... so true

[@williamxavier1297]

B.Allen. the world does more than deserve it necessitates wisdom, thats how people lik him develope into these great speakers

[@tr377723]

@@williamxavier1297 right, but they never appreciate or respect the greats. This dude was really special.

[@williamxavier1297]

@@tr377723 definitely gotta keep the memory alive haha

[@shypantherandfriendsshowga6475]

These are the best interviews. For me, the moment the guest started talking and becomes completely engaged, that’s the moment that I know I have a successful interview. People tune in to hear the guest talk about themselves & their career. The audience does not is not interested in the interviewer trying to sound clever!

[@angiebee2993]

I am a huge fan of James Brown and needless to say I was happy to this interview with him his musical legacy still lives on and still to this day we know there will never be another like him> This was also a great interview with him he dropped lots of gems in this interview.

[@classiql]

Soul Brother #1 Godfather of Soul Mr. Dynamite Gladiator..... James brown is you.... out there you made James Brown!

[@felinefokus]

This was right on time💡💕 #wisdom I said that if they wanted me to interview with some of these basic hosts who asks simple, non challenging questions because they are low frequency people that I would reject them like bill collectors. But if I had to sit down with one of em umma do them just like James brown, not let them get a word in. What most artists speak on goes over their blind heads. James was sure to get the message all the way through.

[@aminahpd]

FelineFokus a Kanye move

[@delham7004]

Right on James Brown!💪🏾 💯%

[@ktd9]

He was a great gift to All of Us😁😍

[@Eye2Eye24]

A strong willed man with so much soul and humbleness. A rare thing. In this day. No wonder Michael Jackson looked up to this powerful man.

[@pigrandlemcnary3162]

I can't believe i skipped over this nugget...

[@paytcpaythecreator7264]

The man was a musical and literal genius. He didn't really get the credit for that fact. But his impact to black America and America as a whole was positively shaped because of him. I can personally attest to how folks like James, Muhammad Ali, and a few others impacted my life as a child. Thanks JB !

[@ghanasoul]

Wow. This is GREAT! I NEVER heard JB talk about his older son. He’s very deep here. RIP Godfather. Reelblack is a great platform. PLEASE keep it coming with classic footage, interviews, and positive images. 😀

[@missshannon9790]

How many litters, i mean children did he have? About twenty of them mugs didn't he?

[@ghanasoul]

@@missshannon9790 just saw this post. Not sure. Guessing 8 children.

[@classiql]

Had OG Brown on my mind last night. Wanted to just immerse myself in his music... His energy. And this afternoon this pops up on my feed! Hot damn! #universeislistening

[@NBNAKITA]

So his mom was 16 when he was born as a African American and asian while his dad is of African American and idian. James brown skin tone is sooooo pretty here and his hair is GORGEOUS! SO TALENTED

[@paytcpaythecreator7264]

One thing James Brown and a few of the greats of the past were consistent on was studying those who came before them. And then finding a way to pay homage yet still keep their own originality and soul. And to evolve and advance music and their own lives and the lives of others. Good clip ! Thanks for sharing it.

[@classiql]

*"My role has got me on a social thang"* -Dr. James Brown

[@clivemoses2467]

Soul Power ✊🏿

[@beverlywilloughby7988]

What we called it back in the 60's.

[@marcobiondo5357]

Mr Brown is one of the most beautiful human being I always admired since I was a little boy. I love him I respect him and always and for ever grateful to growing up with soul music in my family, God bless him, James Brown is the King 👑 ❤️🌹

[@carolyng651]

THANKS FOR POSTING !!!!!!!

[@locdtreasuress]

This is so relevant today in 2022.

[@sunshinegoddess1403]

Power to the GOD James Brown!❤✊🏿

[@endangeredspecies1272]

I've never heard JB talk that intense and when it came to his way, NOBODY did it BETTER, without QUESTION he made sure of it but, as he said, it DIDN'T stop with him, he was only a channel of many! For a man who'd never made it through elementary school, he was SMART enough to control his top to bottom and like Bob Marley and many others who learned from him, he demanded the BEST of his musicians, he was STRICT and NO chumps came from his band, whatever instrument you'd played, you were BETTER at it when you left his band because, like Prince, JGW and many others, he could play ANYTHING! We'll only get 1 James Brown because they're NOT MADE like him anymore, may he rest in peace, James Brown! 😁👏 👏 👏 👊

[@divnaindija24]

He was a man of soul, man of words and man of class.

[@uriellevelupriley684]

He said "I said it because we needed it.." Salute to #Jamesbrown

[@estlhm805]

When you give a person a chance to speak and listen, you can find wisdom within. There are many directions and so many decisions to make right or wrong. But wisdom is never far removed from anyone if we take the time to look beyond faults, stereotypes or even what we want to believe and think

[@shanequaaustin8908]

Wow, You're comment is powerful and I agree blessings 🙏

[@estlhm805]

@@shanequaaustin8908 thanks

[@LoganCharlesII]

Knowledge straight out of Augusta, Georgia!

[@darylreeves3060]

denzelsnipes69 #hometown #706

[@wearefamily6184]

4 hours from me!!!! He represented it like no other!!!!!

[@earnestinecole3553]

"James Brown is my everything!!!! No homo.... He my second fav all time artist!!! I can do 99.9 percent of his moves!!!! I love how he talk.... He seem so real and true..... James Brown one of the goats!!!!! 🐐🐐🐐🐐 This man is my super hero!!!!!!!!!! He has a sweet voice....... It's like the earth stands still err time I play or hear his jams!!!!!! That James Brown shuffle is pretty and timeless elegance...... Imma be a super fan for life....." ∆Big Smoke Triple OG aka The New James Brown∆ #Big Thug life

[@PaulDA2000]

Earnestine Cole And do you think he would like the fact that you’re homophobic? It’s amazing how ignorant people can be trying to complement someone else.

[@VANITY80]

So much charisma - love the man.

[@toneyisaiah3556]

Absolutely right.

[@wwl1982dawg]

Praise the Lord for this man and what he meant to humanity. He was ordained by God - as far as I’m concerned- to make people feel good about themselves regardless of race or anything else.

[@TrevorHamberger]

I agree. This man was ordained with talent by God and many were. he was the one who saw the vision and made it happen. I'm gonna do it too.

[@jakesnow2888]

Damn !! that legend said I shouldn't have said we're black and we're proud, because it's as if I set them back, but I had to do it, because it was NEEDED, because people were acting as if they weren't and was too beaten down,,DAMN and it seems as if nothing has changed, in today's people,,WAKE UP MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS,,,,IT'S TIME!!!

[@specialts4u]

Right on James Brown🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾❤️❤️❤️❤️🎤🎤🎤🎤🎊truly a Soul man!

[@KyOte13]

A True Maverick 🤘🏼

[@reywell5515]

The Godfather of Soul music will live through his music forever! My father was\ is one of h i s #1 fans. He cried when the godfather passed. He paid the cost to be the BOSS.

[@eddiesoto2677]

Long live the man the Legend Mr please. Please himself. Mr James Brown Thanks for all .

[@antoniofba667]

This was some good game thank you for this upload

[@OrcasPurpose]

JB dropping that Zapata! Revolutionary knowledge!

[@michealrawlings9281]

He talking that talk. Say it loud!!! I’m black and I’m proud. ✊🏾

[@POTSOJ]

This brotha was a genius frfr.

[@kushyisrael1652]

Wow thank you, I needed to see this!

[@AddLoveTM126]

Mr. James Brown PAID Me My FIRST $100.00 Bill! He Autographed it when I was age 13; for having Drawn His Portrait. He wrote basically "Stay Black; and Stay in School; With All My Love, James Brown!" My Mother & I Enjoyed meeting with Him; after His Show. He kissed Me, Autographed My Brochure, and I was later published on the front page of My hometown Black-owned Newspaper. A few years later at age 15, My Mother; and I Spent an afternoon visiting with The Jackson Five & their Dad. Great Humanitarians; who Inspired Me to Achieve Great Success!❤👑

[@jeromestamina]

Oh cool

[@jeromestamina]

Where are you from !

[@zior8001]

This is the very interview and person that gave the rulers of the music industry an idea of how to use music against dark skinned people.

[@mjelombilinijames89]

Five star for you, Sir James Brown your soul is surely resting in peace.

[@brednawaston1194]

1

[@marylane2704]

Wow 😮 powerful

[@nameuser4406]

Wow that's exactly how I feel

[@KlutchGawd]

This is so good. So many golden lines in this. From looking down at his feet to touching on the soul at the end. A man for humanity as far as I can tell. You may like this @theloverevolution

[@jupiterjohnson7191]

Best interview I’ve seen of James

[@michaelslittleangel7818]

I’ve never got a chance to hear James brown talk in full sentences lol I’m not even playing or being petty, but what he said was real and I love me some James and MJ, both are in heaven tearing it up!

[@loserbaby6597]

Soul Food ✊🏿💯

[@DJWOLFLIVE]

Now this is ol’ school JB style dropping knowledge!

[@jayocarlo8913]

Even when he’s talking he sounds smooth as fuck

[@khalilcanady2012]

My father feels the same way: we got to do something different!!!!

[@RBOONE57]

Powerful

[@carpenoctem775]

James was his own musical genre.

[@rustymertz]

There will never be another like Mr. Brown. The eternal optimist.

[@prodigymichael7777]

❤️ . God bless you