Syl Johnson - "We Do It Together"

I uploaded this video to YouTube a while back but have been dragging my feet on getting this blog post together. After finally sitting down to write something and doing a quick little search on Syl Johnson, I found that the good folks over at Wax Poetics have already put together a short blurb on this 45 as part of their Re:Discovery Series. Their insight is more concise than anything I could put together, so be sure to check it too!

Syl Johnson seems to finally be getting his due. After holding it down in the shadows for more than five decades, and being sampled on some of your favorite rap records, he has been acknowledged over the last couple years and given a chance to step back into the limelight. The Numero Group put out an awesome 4LP box set in 2010 that compiles a staggering amount of his recorded material that documents Syl's unsung career by capturing his previously fragmented recorded output. The project brought Syl much deserved recognition and provided him with an opportunity to tour and reach new audiences. The compilation was even nominated for a Grammy! More recently, Kanye West and Jay-Z recognized real (eventually) and utilized a Syl Johnson sample for their behemoth Watch The Throne project.

“We Do It Together” is the first Twinight record in my stash and hopefully I will come across more that sound just as great to add to my grip. Keep your eyes peeled and your fingers dusty!