theblackdynamite.bsky.social

Mapressa Dawn, best remembered for starring in Black Orpheus (Orfeu Negro). Facing stereotypical roles and racial discrimination in the US, she moved to Europe where her success broke racial barriers, paving the way for generations of Black actresses in international film.

Tina Turner's role in the Birtish musical drama Tommy was originally built around casting Mick Jagger or David Bowie for the role. Turner originally turned it down due to its dark nature, but director Ken Russell felt her explosive stage energy and persona fit perfectly.

Blackenstein is a 1973 low-budget blaxploitation horror film directed by William A. Levey and loosely inspired by Mary Shelley's classic 1818 novel Frankenstein.

Released just one year after The Exorcist (1973), Abby adapted the demonic possession formula and is considered a  pioneering, culturally unique intersection of 1970s Black-led cinema and supernatural horror.

Blacula, Dracula's soul brother! The 1972 horror film is  celebrated as a pioneering force in Black horror. Star William Marshall portrayed Prince Mamuwalde, marking the first time a Black vampire was featured as a lead in a major Hollywood feature.

Daddy Rich, played by the great Richard Pryor,  is a flamboyant, money-preaching televangelist, in the 1976 classic comedy Car Wash. Even though Pryor's appearance is a brief, high-energy cameo rather than a lead role, it became one of the most memorable parts of the film.

Rudy Ray Moore self-financed his 1975 blaxploitation hit Dolemite using money he saved from selling X-rated party records out of his car. #blaxploitation #comedy

The film follows a woman known as the "Painted Woman" who leaves her mixed-race son to be raised by his rural grandparents while she pursues a life of prostitution in the city.

Who the hell is interrupting my kung fu?! #blackdynamite #blaxploitation #cinema

The Black Connection (1974) A Las Vegas drug dealer is in deep with the Italian mob over a large amount of missing cocaine. He must get creative to get out from under the mob before they take the ultimate course of action.

Emma Mae [a.k.a. Black Sister's Revenge] (1976) is a brilliant film made by the late Jamaa Fanaka. Shot on location in Watts, California, and with a cast of mostly non-professional actors; this film is a great example of vivid and independent filmmaking in the 1970s.

Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song (Melvin Van Peebles, 1971) - Original Release Trailer. Van Peebles wrote, directed, produced, edited, scored, and starred in the film.

Before Rihanna wanted her money, Flyguy wanted his.  In I’m Gonna Git You Sucka (1988), Antonio Fargas competes for Pimp of the Year and recites a poem whose title became a 2015 anthem: “Bitch Better Have My Money.” Keenen Ivory Wayans’s blaxploitation parody still gets its royalties in laughs.

Black Dynamite remembers Vietnam like it was yesterday. #blaxploitation #blackdynamite

Calvin Lockhart was born on this day in 1934. Here he and Vonetta McGee star in Melinda (1972.) Frankie Parker, a womanizing DJ in LA, meets Melinda. When she is murdered in his apartment, he turns detective to find out why. #blaxploitation #cinema

"Sweet Jesus Preacher Man" A mob hit man poses as a Baptist preacher. He decides to take over the local rackets. The 1973 film explores the systemic pressures on the Black community in Watts, Los Angeles, involving corrupt politicians, white criminals, and local dealers.

Slaughter's Big Rip-Off (1973) is a classic blaxploitation action sequel starring football legend turned action star Jim Brown. While the first film was filmed on location in Mexico city, the sequel features inner-city Los Angeles, pimps,  and high octane action.

Marsha Hunt photographed by Patrick Lichfield for Vogue magazine, 1968.

Jim Kelly is back as “Jones” in Hot Potato (1976). Is he Black Belt Jones? The film never says, so you decide. What’s certain: the karate champ who held his own next to Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon staged his own fight scenes here in this rescue mission set in Thailand.

Jeannie Bell is Diana "TNT" Jackson! She's a one mama massacre squad! A pioneering martial arts hero who relied on her own physical combat skills and wits to take down a drug-smuggling ring in Hong Kong.

Richard Roundtree brought a legendary, trailblazing presence to the set of the 1971 film Shaft, defining the cool confidence of the iconic private detective under the direction of Gordon Parks.

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978) redefined kung fu cinema and popularized the Shaw Brothers catalog. The film deeply inspired the legendary hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, whose debut album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) borrows its name and conceptual framework.

I Escaped from Devil's Island (1973) starring Jim Brown is a low-budget exploitation action film produced by Roger and Gene Corman.  The film was intentionally rushed into production and released into theaters just weeks before the mainstream success Papillon.

The lead role of Tommy Gibbs in the 1973 film Black Caesar was originally written by Larry Cohen for Sammy Davis Jr., who wanted to star as a powerful leading man. The deal fell through when Davis faced severe tax troubles with the IRS and could not pay for the script.

You can bet your sweet ass and half a titty that if you interrupt BLACK DYNAMITE during his rhymes, he will send your ass back to Crenshaw Pete with his hot ass coat hangers.

The 1974 soundtrack for The Education of Sonny Carson, composed by  jazz innovator Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson with soulful vocal contributions from Leon Ware. The music and dialogue has been sampled by various artists including Wu Tang Clan, Pete Rock, & Black Star.

Grab on to your seats and hang on tight while I tell you a story about BLACK DYNAMITE! #blackdynamite #blaxploitation #animation

1970's Detroit photographed by Dave Jordano.

“Funkentelechy Vs. The Placebo Syndrome" 1977 animated ad for Parliament’s cosmic concept album and a cornerstone of the P-Funk mythology. Illustrated by Overton Loyd, whose cartoon-saturated style defined the P-Funk aesthetic.