The James Brown special documentary, “Mr. Dynamite,” on HBO is one of the best ideas of black exposure of good and bad when politics takes front stage for famous people. It has many influential individuals describing Brown’s influence on all generations. The largest artists of hip-hop acknowledge the creative presence of Brown on the genre. Jay Z to Michael Jackson stole their acts from the show master and ring leader. This is what HBO does best on television: take an icon’s life and examine the reason we yearn to know more than before. If you never knew anything about James Brown before the special, HBO creates a reason for you to learn more about him after watching the show.
Bold beyond comparison, it speaks to the absence of social change by modern artists. He is not without contradiction, but this is what makes you want to know more. His lyrics songs created a social movement that can still be felt today. The documentary by filmmaker Alex Gibney begs the question of why so little popular music in hip-hop creates social change. The Chuck D of Public Enemy gives a social voice, but there appears to be few other examples of Brown’s black cultural pride.
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The talking heads make a good point, as some point to his self-obsession and self-centered business practices. Brown was more successful than most. The material things and the huge publishing empire he left behind pale in comparison to the black voice that can be sung for social change and respect for black people obtained because he wrote a song that gave them the courage to sing what they were too oppressed to say aloud until Brown asked for a call and response. It is worth the time to inspire your mind and love HBO for continuing to bring iconic television to life. Right on, right on.
Mr. Dynamite premieres tonight on HBO at 9 p.m.
