Detroit, the upcoming film about the deadly Algiers Motel incident during Detroit’s 12th Street Riot during the summer of 1967, will storm into theaters on Friday, August 4th. Taking place during the 1960s, it’s expected that the soundtrack will feature music from soul and jazz greats of the era. In addition to those classics and throwback tracks, the soundtrack gets contemporary contributions from one of the movie's stars, Algee Smith, and The Roots featuring Bilal. The latter contribution, "It Ain't Fair," is an engaging soul track that does more than just retread the past but celebrates its legacy loud and clear.
The track starts with an a cappella intro partially sung by Algee Smith before other voices chime in. Together, they're asking someone, anyone, to care about their pain. The beat then drops and Bilal’s signature vocals pierce through as he sings about all the troubles of the world. The backdrop of live instrumentation, including bass guitar, keys and drums, build's with Bilal’s exuberance. We then get a verse from Black Thought, speaking for the man on the street. When you hear “It Ain’t Fair,” you’ll swear it’s a remake of a vintage soul record. However, it’s wholly an original creation that borrows its sound from the giants of yesteryear. However, there’s no faded glory here, as Bilal gives us an endearing vocal performance and Black Thought’s raps add depth.
When you hear “It Ain’t Fair,” you’ll swear it’s a remake of a vintage soul record. However, it’s wholly an original creation that borrows its sound from the giants of yesteryear. However, there’s no faded glory here, as Bilal gives us an endearing vocal performance and Black Thought’s raps add depth.
“It Ain’t Fair” will be in good company on the Detroit Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. Released on Motown Records, the album features the talents of Marvin Gaye, Martha Reeves, John Coltrane and The Dramatics, whose story is a part of the film. You can catch Detroit when it opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, August 4th. The movie is a brutal reminder of the past that is still very relevant to today.
