Grandmaster Melle Mel & The Furious Five Beat Street Breakdown (Atlantic) 1984

The record that was played in the movie Beat Street at the end. This was in memory of the graffiti writer 'Ramo' who died in the film chasing 'Spit' who kept going over his pieces! This song contains some brilliant lyrics and these guys were the first I heard to use real social commentary on a rap record.

"Well a picture can express a thousand words to describe all the beauty of life you give And if the world was yours to do over, I know you’d paint a better place to live. Where the colours would swirl and the boys and girls can grow in peace and harmony"

It really is a great record this and I'd advise anyone to check out the full lyrical content as this really is a masterpiece. He pays tribute to Ramo and also runs through life in the ghetto, kids in Africa, mentions political leaders...this is a seriously thought out song, shame that money took over as usual and now hip hop is in the sorry state it is today.

"Bums on the sidewalk, garbage in the streets, abandoned buildings, bricks of concrete. The ladies on the corner are selling their bodies, and everybody wants a part in that party"

Grandmaster Melle Mel & The Furious Five Beat Street Breakdown