Sly & The Family Stone - Sly Lives! (aka The Burden Of Black Genius) (Soundtrack)

Questlove directed! The soundtrack to the Sly & The Family Stone documentary film SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) (Sly Lives!) Includes numerous unreleased recordings!

The soundtrack to the Sly & The Family Stone documentary film SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) (Sly Lives!). Premieringed at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2025, it has been available for streaming on Hulu in the U.S. since February 13 (Japanese release date TBD). 2021 saw the announcement of the film's production, which is directed by Questlove, who directed the documentary Summer of Soul and has also won an Oscar (Academy Award). (Questlove is the leader of The Roots.) This soundtrack includes 7 tracks, including the band's hits, rare recordings, and unreleased versions, as well as 3 new unreleased edits by Brooklyn DJ/remixer/hip-hop producerJ.Period, bringing the total to 21 tracks.
The documentary film explores the legends and lives of figures who transcended racial, gender, and genre boundaries—including soul, funk, gospel, Latin, and psychedelic rock—through their hits ("Hot Funk In the Summertime,"Thank You,"I Want To Take You Higher,"and hit albums like Stand! and There’s a Riot Goin’ On."Highlights include interviews with Andre 3000, D'Angelo, Q-Tip, Nile Rodgers, Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, George Clinton, Ruth Copeland, Clive Davis, and others.Questlove commented on social media: "This film explores Sly Stone's life, music, and cultural impact, while shedding light on the challenges faced by successful Black artists."

A1. Sing A Simple Song (alternate mix)
A2. Underdog
A3. Trip To Your Heart (alternate mix)
A4. Dance To The Music (J PERIOD edit)
A5. M’Lady
B1. Everyday People (J PERIOD edit)
B2. Hot Fun In The Summertime (Interlude)
B3. Hot Fun In The Summertime (mono single Master)
B4. Everybody Is A Star (mono single Master)
B5. Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)
B6. Thank You For Talkin’ To Me, Africa (alternate mix)
C1. Family Affair (Questlove Rhythm King edit)
C2. Runnin’ Away (alternate mix)
C3. Just Like A Baby
C4. Babies Makin’ Babies (Interlude)
C5. If You Want Me To Stay (Alternate Version)
D1. Thankful N’ Thoughtful (Alternate Version)
D2. Family Affair (Wedding Band Interlude)
D3. Can’t Strain My Brain
D4. Stand! (Take 1)
D5. Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)

This soundtrack delves deep into the life and legacy of Sly & The Family Stone, offering an immersive experience of the American funk legends' groundbreaking music and the complexities that shaped their journey. The collection takes listeners through the band's rise to fame, highlighting their timeless funk and soul hits, while also reflecting on the unseen burdens faced by Black artists in America. Notable tracks like 'Sing A Simple Song (Alternate Mix)' and 'Underdog' offer fresh takes on familiar classics, giving fans new perspectives on songs that have long been anthems. There are also remixes, such as J.PERIOD's edits of 'Dance To The Music' and 'Everyday People,' which breathe new energy into the band's beloved sound. The collection also features rare versions of tracks like 'Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)' and 'Family Affair,' adding to the richness of Sly's musical legacy. By incorporating interviews and insights from figures like Andre 3000, D'Angelo, and George Clinton, the soundtrack elevates the music, providing a context that goes beyond just the sound. It's a poignant reminder of the depth of Sly & The Family Stone's influence, revealing how their music continues to resonate with generations.