An absolutely outstanding track. I remember listening to this when I was about 10 and being absolutely blown away by it. Managed to get it on 12” vinyl when I was 18, been in my top ten ever since. 🙂
I have not heard this record im 40.years literally!! I.was.11. YRS.OLD,it was.part.of my.first introductionn to my.heroteage it made me feel so good to find puynthat affrica was the cradle.of education and hiumanity!! it taught me to.love that which is me !!!
Not many songs over 10 minutes have made the top 10 in the UK, but my God this is an absolute classic! Made No.6. So happy to hear it again. Take a bow Gary, Stevie and the rest involved!
My Friend Gary Byrd And I From Clinton JHS (#87) East HS Buffalo NY And Beyond! Wear A Crown! #Congratulations! 50 Years In Broadcasting, Telecasting, Recording Artist!
This tune I live by everyday.. what a message... Thank you .... I'm 53... This man has my heart for his song all.my life... I'm having the short version at my funeral....xx
mk2 Escort ,poplar plus lol diamond pringle ,fila roll neck ,lois cords ,i 1 inch slits in the sides ,stan smiths ,paco rabane ,Sutton an Mitcham girls !!!! Great times !!!!!
Music now really does sound all the same. When our parents said it to us they were wrong and there were many different types of music. Now though it is all very samey even down to the AI enhanced voices.
Wow it's been a long time! Put myself to the test and YES I still remember all the words! What a classic! A fantastic history lesson too to make every black child proud of their heritage. My own kids included. Thanks Gary Byrd 🥰
Superb tune!! For me - a big part of the soundtrack of late summer 1983 in the UK, along with Everything counts (Depeche Mode) and First Picture of You (Lotus Eaters) Give it up (KC & The Sunshine Band) and so many more.....Life was good then...
Oh Man You have made my day!!! I bought this 2nd hand in Deptford Market ( ages 15) AND it has mesmerized me since. And The Lotus Eaters? My favourite song of all time. I have put my copy in a frame and have just moved house, its the first thing I put up on my wall Thank you xxx
We don't mind this tune at 10 minutes 31 sec as we love the funky choon,the lyrics, the rap,Stevie ooooh it's like one big trifle of all my fave things- a bit for everyone ❤️
Super.... This brings back happy memories, I used to play this during my party set/80's night in the Night club I used to DJ in back in the mid-nineties.. I still have the 12" tucked away in my record boxes.
Always listened to this song in my 'Paperboy days'. On a Sony Walkman, I kept rewinding the song! "Sing like Ella and make 'em guess, is it you or is it Memorex?" Who understands such lines nowadays? Epic lyrics. And Stevie's part is the icing on the cake!
I believe this is the longest Rap lyrics ever. I used to know all by heart back in the 80's but, naturally, now I forgot about half of it. What a GREAT tune !!!
@@arushilovesmusic @TitaniumCountess youre Both right to mess those Days I was there, and Aids was not known, the Futere seems Great... No Climate diskussion and Dance the night away ...
This masterpiece was co-written by Stevie Wonder (who also sings a part), basically re-imagining Good Times for an intense verse leading to a power-disco chorus.. genius!
Brother Gary Byrd and Brother Stevie Wonder both inspired us with this hip hop classic. The Crown was so classical that teaches us our self conscious history and Gary nail it.
Listen to the lyrics between 8:45 and 8:54 - he makes a startling clarification. The song is about education and pride but itsnt self righteous and he even states everyone around the world wears a crown.
Went to buy in83 but forgot only avaliable on 12inch. Only had £1.25 on me for single ( at aged 10). Didn't get round to going back and buying with more pocket money the following week. Allways regreted it. Finaly bought the 12 inch on a good vinal copy about 20 years back. Still play it a lot. I love this tune. Take care all.
Black history month brought me here again - don't listen this one often like I used to but its fresh and never tire a real master piece 👋🏽👑💃🏾💚 2021 nearly over and I'm wondering how far we've come 🤷🏽
Motown gone rap? well the label did with this 1983 "12" a sure fire hit, written by Stevie Wonder, with Gary Byrd rapping, Stevie Wonder, Teena Marie, Andrae Crouch (RIP) & Syreeta on backing vocals, it tells the story of human civilisation, from Ancient Egypt, with the emphasis on African heritage, he also pays homage to Neffertiti, king Tut, the Sphinx, Cleopatra, Alex Haley, Roots, Muhammad Ali, Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Louis, Malcolm x
This brings back pure memories for me as a youth, because Brother Gary Byrd taught us how self-conscious hip hop should be played especially when it is about our history. Man, those were the cracking days all the way.
An absolutely outstanding track. I remember listening to this when I was about 10 and being absolutely blown away by it. Managed to get it on 12” vinyl when I was 18, been in my top ten ever since. 🙂
I have not heard this record im 40.years literally!! I.was.11. YRS.OLD,it was.part.of my.first introductionn to my.heroteage it made me feel so good to find puynthat affrica was the cradle.of education and hiumanity!! it taught me to.love that which is me !!!
55 and still feeling the need for this... Todays music is junk....
You're right there this is purely class own this on 12 inch
So glad I had the pleasure of being young and around when music like this was still being made!!!
I love this. History wrapped in a song. And a jamming song at that!
This track still sounds so fresh and new. Wow!!!
Stevie wonder, absolute legend, great track from start to finish.
An absolute classic. Takes me back to such happy days.
Never heard this song for years, never hear it on the radio. Brings back great memories, used to know all the words
Still a great song today, i'm 57 now and used to play this all the time back in the day and can sing along after all these years.
Doug Woolner same! Many years ago in Canada 🇨🇦 (Vancouver)❤️
Me too powerful stuff
Yessss
I'm 56, did the same in Scotland. Never forget the lyrics "It's not Star Wars It's not Superman......". I have it playing now :-)
57er fr. Germany......
All the best to the baby boomer gen.
My favourite rap ever , I had the 12inch vinyl , drove my Mum crazy played it over and over learned the whole rap , all 12 mins 👍🏻👍🏻 1983 , I was 15 .
Yup I still like to rap it now in 2022. Mum had chart hits 83 on cassettein a yellow card inlay. 💛 you wear the crown 👑
Not many songs over 10 minutes have made the top 10 in the UK, but my God this is an absolute classic! Made No.6. So happy to hear it again. Take a bow Gary, Stevie and the rest involved!
Undoubtedly the greatest tune of all time - massively underplayed/ recognised. It's a work of pure genius.
+Luke Smith Good but I doubt you are right.
I couldn't agree more!! Searched it for very long time, but no one knew it. Finally found it.
89.9 kcrw still playing it
@@pix046❤
There will never in rap's history be a rap as good as this one
Stevie never ever fails to be amazing on anything he does,fantastic,happy memories,!!!!
Underrated masterpiece
I can't just imagine now I'm discovering this song I love songs like these.
Every time I listen to this number, the atmosphere of those years at its best comes alive 👍👍👍
My Friend Gary Byrd And I From Clinton JHS (#87) East HS Buffalo NY And Beyond! Wear A Crown! #Congratulations! 50 Years In Broadcasting, Telecasting, Recording Artist!
This tune I live by everyday.. what a message... Thank you .... I'm 53... This man has my heart for his song all.my life... I'm having the short version at my funeral....xx
Have the 12inch version and celebrate living so others can get down and funk
@@terinasargeant138 I have the twelve inch too... What a tune x
I was 17 when this song was first released. Listening to it 40 years later gave me chills.
Great summer of 1983 . Cruising in my XR2.
That must have been quite the life with an XR2 !
Cruising in my Ford Cortina 1600e. Epic music epic times
And me in my XR3 lol
mk2 Escort ,poplar plus lol diamond pringle ,fila roll neck ,lois cords ,i 1 inch slits in the sides ,stan smiths ,paco rabane ,Sutton an Mitcham girls !!!! Great times !!!!!
Sth LDN QPR south Croydon boy me , to much time spent getting pulled by the cops , looking for "stuff" , in my E .
LOL
Beautiful chorus. Full of good vibes. Stevie's part rocks !!!
Rappers Delight type rap with Good Times style disco and Soul 2 soul
One of the greatest and most underrated songs of the 80’s
Stressed out? Dr.80s prescribes a therapy of upbeat, perfect 80s music! Side effects? Dance, move, groove, sway and smile!
Omg I wish Dr 80s could cure my bipolar with his choons. I try self medication with my collection of early NOW albums
Nice song and lots of memories,still very good to listen...!
I remember going to the fairground back in 83 hearing this classic track love it
omg 30 years old and i still got this on 12inch
2022 x
Me too 😊
WOW! THOUGHT I IMAGINED THIS SONG, I LOOKED FOR IT FOR YEARS!! THANKS!
I just discovered this song today and can't stop listening to it. What an awesome track! Stevie Wonder totally takes it to a new level!
AutomatikSystematik he did , and his short solo is haunting , endearingly unforgettable and drenched in the pathos of what might have been .
AutomatikSystematik discovered it myself today 2020 🎵🔥🔥❤️
Just found this song a few days ago and I am having the same feelings. I can't stop listening.
Wish I'd just discovered it!
May the funk live on........... Greg Edwards, Robbie Vincent, Froggy!! Those them was the days.
I don't understand today's music anymore. Cold no soul unlike the 60s,70s 80s and the early 90s.
Music now really does sound all the same. When our parents said it to us they were wrong and there were many different types of music. Now though it is all very samey even down to the AI enhanced voices.
Wow it's been a long time! Put myself to the test and YES I still remember all the words! What a classic! A fantastic history lesson too to make every black child proud of their heritage. My own kids included. Thanks Gary Byrd 🥰
Superb tune!! For me - a big part of the soundtrack of late summer 1983 in the UK, along with Everything counts (Depeche Mode) and First Picture of You (Lotus Eaters) Give it up (KC & The Sunshine Band) and so many more.....Life was good then...
Oh Man
You have made my day!!!
I bought this 2nd hand in Deptford Market ( ages 15) AND it has mesmerized me since.
And The Lotus Eaters? My favourite song of all time.
I have put my copy in a frame and have just moved house, its the first thing I put up on my wall
Thank you xxx
I also bought KC and love Depeche!!!
Banned by the BBC RADIO play list...never forget that..👊🏻
Yeah all that ❤
EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
Excellent song - especially the full length version
Good times tune with gospel chorus and rappers delight
Ah another great track, remember this one played on the top 40 back in 83 when the late Tommy vance declared it the longest single played at the time.
I forgot how much I love this beat
We don't mind this tune at 10 minutes 31 sec as we love the funky choon,the lyrics, the rap,Stevie ooooh it's like one big trifle of all my fave things- a bit for everyone ❤️
Super.... This brings back happy memories, I used to play this during my party set/80's night in the Night club I used to DJ in back in the mid-nineties.. I still have the 12" tucked away in my record boxes.
Yeh same here,,,still have the 12,,,,played in m ydj set too,,Epic
Always listened to this song in my 'Paperboy days'. On a Sony Walkman, I kept rewinding the song! "Sing like Ella and make 'em guess, is it you or is it Memorex?" Who understands such lines nowadays? Epic lyrics.
And Stevie's part is the icing on the cake!
born 69 same here bro 2022 peace and love x
@@AWAS-ps8sr I'm from 1970!
Memorex, thought I would never see or hear that word again, born in ‘65
One of the best songs ever. It should be included in the world's general catalog of the best songs.❤❤❤❤❤
Forgot just how good this tune is. The chorus is what makes it. A classic
heard this on the radio yesterday,first time in years so i thought id listen to it again..magical stuff :)
Amazing track and Stevie rocks.
get up to get down we owe Dr King that much
I believe this is the longest Rap lyrics ever. I used to know all by heart back in the 80's but, naturally, now I forgot about half of it. What a GREAT tune !!!
José Ataíde rappers delight long version?
2020 bars by ecko fresh is 1 hour 37 minutes but it’s not very good to be honest
This on vinyl spinning on the turntable.with graphic equalisers and multicolour disco lights going crazy. All millenials
should try it.
Back when Rap had class... oh how I miss those days. Well, frankly, I can't really 'miss' them, I'm only 32, but I can long for them...
I'm 15 and even I miss those days!!! Just love the oldies
@@arushilovesmusic @TitaniumCountess youre Both right to mess those Days I was there, and Aids was not known, the Futere seems Great...
No Climate diskussion and Dance the night away ...
Wish I'd just discovered this jem
Makes me very very happy at the bad time's.....Still, and forever !!!
Why oh why didn’t Gary do a video to this? Absolute banger!
Very special song for me, I love. ❤️
I love this, and always have, learned all the lyrics and asked questions after.
I’m English mixed race, before anyone asks!
Coole Musik in einer coolen Zeit, oh wie lang ist es her....
Powerful, timeless message, more relevant today than yesterday! Teach it to our youth
Literally impossible not to get down❤
...whoa! Another great memory from back-in-d-day:). I have the original 12" single, in mint condition. Love it!
This masterpiece was co-written by Stevie Wonder (who also sings a part), basically re-imagining Good Times for an intense verse leading to a power-disco chorus.. genius!
Great song but more importantly, GREAT knowledge!
Fabulous then, fabulous now.
It really is good. In fact I would go as far as to say it's epic. They don't make them like this anymore!
Superb tune & great memories dancing to this back In 1983
That’s what I call music.
It's so great to rediscover great music! This song is an unofficial sequel to Stevie Wonder's own "Black Man" from Songs In The Key of Life.
Brother Gary Byrd and Brother Stevie Wonder both inspired us with this hip hop classic. The Crown was so classical that teaches us our self conscious history and Gary nail it.
Oh wow, I remember buying this for my little brother. That some serious rap history here.
Listen to the lyrics between 8:45 and 8:54 - he makes a startling clarification. The song is about education and pride but itsnt self righteous and he even states everyone around the world wears a crown.
1980Triumph not like today. now its all about just getting yours. i want a time machine back to 83 now!
Agreed. Have a good weekend.
Simply brilliant
Brilliant! I have this version on the 12" single and it's just stunning!
Me too. Bought it when I was 15 or 16. Still a favorite history lesson.
Went to buy in83 but forgot only avaliable on 12inch. Only had £1.25 on me for single ( at aged 10). Didn't get round to going back and buying with more pocket money the following week. Allways regreted it. Finaly bought the 12 inch on a good vinal copy about 20 years back. Still play it a lot. I love this tune. Take care all.
Listening to this most of my life etc 🇬🇧 ENGLAND 🇬🇧 🏴 white London horn etc
This song is beyond amazing. I'm finding it really, really hard to track down this 10 minute version on cd though.
Yes its not a common thing to find. It's hard to find on Spotify too
In 2023, still seemingly unavailable via Spotify. :-(
wow my older brother had this 12" in the 80's what a rappppppp
Black history month brought me here again - don't listen this one often like I used to but its fresh and never tire a real master piece 👋🏽👑💃🏾💚
2021 nearly over and I'm wondering how far we've come 🤷🏽
The best rap ever
Absolutely!
this is to zoe this was our tune , so sad your gone now , too young as you were but i hope wee meet again xx
stevie wonder is a genius .
What a great tune😎😎😎
One of the best raps ever made. Simply divine. Stevie Wonder's voice together with the harmonica give this song a unique feel. Superb.❤❤❤❤
August 83, just after id seen 1st episode of V, scared the shit out of me
old school !!!
A history lesson for the masses right here. 👊🏻
Sensacional , Final Do Ano 1983 , Ouvir Essa Melodia e Sair Dançando ......😊😊😊😊😊
BLACK MUSIC IS THE BEST.
AGREED!
This is the true meaning of motivation.
An absolute classic
hell year i m 58 now but this was and is still nice
Still here and stil nice😊
Yup, best Rap ever, was the summer of 1983 in Inverness, when I and my ex-wife heard this. Love it, still love her too. xx
People in the UK will remember Gary's show on Radio 1 on a Saturday afternoon around '84 or '85 - live from NY
Yes, I do! I think it was about 2pm on Radio1. It started in 1982-85. Thanks for letting me know about that!😮😊
I actually have this on 12" vinyl!! its so cool to hear it again!!
In my top 10!
Motown gone rap? well the label did with this 1983 "12" a sure fire hit, written by Stevie Wonder, with Gary Byrd rapping, Stevie Wonder, Teena Marie, Andrae Crouch (RIP) & Syreeta on backing vocals, it tells the story of human civilisation, from Ancient Egypt, with the emphasis on African heritage, he also pays homage to Neffertiti, king Tut, the Sphinx, Cleopatra, Alex Haley, Roots, Muhammad Ali, Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Louis, Malcolm x
J Eshun Thanks to share it
I didn't know Andre had his part, makes the song even more special!
+Michael Ohajuru Even more so as Andrae is now gone
J Eshun superbe le top du top!,!!!!!
J Eshun love your love for this ,but it was Steven who did the rap x
What a great tune!
This brings back pure memories for me as a youth, because Brother Gary Byrd taught us how self-conscious hip hop should be played especially when it is about our history.
Man, those were the cracking days all the way.
Great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's on a (now deleted) double compilation cd from 2001 called 'Magnum Opus Volume 1' - get it second hand on Amazon, Ebay etc...
Teena Marie in the chorus...can't miss her voice...!!
Excelente música, super agrad´vel ouvir . Steve Wonder arrebentando tudo !!!
Listen to the lyrics!!!!!! 🎉🎉
Its very deep and telling!
Not about chasing chicks and making money
As cool as a waterfall in June...
More refreshing in December 👍