"lyrics AFRICAN Don't care where you come from As long as you're a black man You're an African (CHORUS) No mind your nationality You have got the identity of an African No mind your complexion There is no rejection You're an African 'Cause if you go to the Catholic And if you go to the Methodist And if you go to the Church of Gods You're an African
So amazing, as a lover of poetry, black literature and culture, Smokey as a musician, I came upon this by accident and I'm so glad I did. I was FLOORED, and in awe.
@astroboirap Black is a mind set. If you are human, you are an African. You may be a genetic mutation of the original Africa, but you are an African.
@MercedesDiane I really love that he acknowledges Adam and Eve. Every racist I ever knew believed in evolution, and that the black man was closer to an ape and less evolved.
@TruthSayer2 I know far more racist religious folks than secularist. As a matter of fact, we don't even believe in race because in science it has no merit. This poem was not about one "race" over another but the identity of a people. Slavery stripped Black people in America of all their culture and ever since they have been desperately seeking a way to define themselves. That is what he is talking about.
most black people haven't been to africa so why do we call them african-americans is it to keep what was good or seemed good while in africa before slavery and classification happened, you never hear african-brit no you call them black, at the same time their should be no classification but the difference in skin causes there to be a color barrier, and how come we don't speak about other ethics backrounds, i do like what smokey was saying but there are things i can't say about him
Smokey I love every bit of what you said, it's the truth, powerful and real... Ilook forward to the days when more black men can say it like they mean it, you know walking the walk and talking the talk, excellent!
Smokey is kind of the man on this one, but I always just think of Chris Tucker in Rush Hour 2 saying "Lionel Richie ain't been black since the Commodores!"
hey guys i need help.... i just put a video up and i need some VIEWS, i know most ppl can care LESS if u can just view it, QUICKLY and write something i would appreciate it yall PLEASE. PLEASE
wonder full ...very nice... i can add one more thing about BLACK PEOPLE.. very unique ,, in ISLAM every Muslim is praying 5 times a day.. before prayer we do azan ( means calling for prayer). the very first azan in ISLAM was done by HAZRAT BILAL (pbuh) and he was black. I don't know but inside my heart i always love BLACK PEOPLE. GOD BLESS all of you.
Smokey's views on Africa are disappointing. I am African American/Black and I have been to Africa many times. My experience is that if you don't go to Africa acting a fool, if you have a little patience, if you are willing to listen and learn, our people there happily embrace us. I think you can be black and proud and be African all at once.
This is wonderful way of explaining who we really are and Smokey did it very well. There is a difference between Black American and African American. Look at the birth certificates. If you are black and born in the USA - you are a Black American; and if you were born in Africa and got a green card to be here in America (USA), then you are an African American. Don't get it twisted!!! It doesn't matter who your descendants are. Your birth certificates tell who you really are.
PREACH IT BROTHA!! Gotta respect a man like Smokey Robinson most black people I come across with less than heis features (green eyes, light skin, straight nose and wavy hair) walk around like they're the shit and deny or down grade being black but here is Smokey HANDSOME as hell and let the world know I'M BLACK AND I'M PROUD!!!
Smokey is one of the genius' behind the Motown sound. Young black folks, please research your musical and poetic history. Too many of you do not know much about your artistic history, that is if you think brother Smokey is unusual in this piece!!
I love this poem BUT there are things ppl dont get abt the term African American.
1) its NOT our Nationality, our Nationality is American just like everyone else
2) African American is our ETHNICITY.
Our ancestors came from Africa & weve been mixed while in America = AA.
Africans straight from Africa have countries they are Nigerian American, Kenyan Amer..w/e. Whites walk around saying they r Irish/German... but they are American. Just like that we are AA ethnically & Americans.
@beckirene Very true!.... but that's why His poem is about how he feels. He even said I'll give you your reference, but as a black American I'd rather be just that as well. I mean, I'm American & feel it's silly to make such a fuss in 2010. Did you know in the census beauru has negro as an option now?! When will it end?
@beckirene African American is a nationality. I am a BLACK African American. I have WHITE African American friends. you sir/madam might be a Black American do you see it?
@beckirene And those ethnicities make sense for people whose family recently immigrated. Their native culture still forms a significant part of who they are. But what Smokey was pointing out was that the ethnicity that the term African American describes is not an African ethnicity. There's nothing like it in that whole continent. Attaching black people to Africa makes as much sense as attaching white people to Europe. There are definitely notable roots there, but the cultures separated long ago
, i m a black, and proud african.some african american want to reject africa because of the economic part of things, but every one has a home. intelectuals powerful african american love africa they know their history more than any one . they have nothing againts africa they love it ,and they know it is their HOME as their FATHERS said and swore.( Martin luther, Micheal jackson, jese jackson , oprah,malcom X ,web dubois)live and even died in africa Micheal J was king in ivory coast JeseJ too
@saharianboy i agree but i embrace africa as the home of my ancestors not MY home. america is my home n i will not reject it bcuz its where my ppl but in hard work and accomplishments not in africa. the slave trade was over 300 years thats a whole lot of generations of my ppl in america. but yes africa was the beginning and i will never disrespect the continent
Good vid. I am white and have only ever met one true African American. She was very offended by all the black people in America. She said it very sad to see black people who always say they can't make it because this country is not made for black people to be successful. She came from Africa and went to college for FREE. She now has a very successful job and has 3 kids. She thinks it is sad to see young black people abuse their freedoms and never work towards success.
I have been to Africa twice and the people were very accepting of African Americans. I saw people there who reminded me of friends and family here. There are differences of course but you will be surprised at how much of the culture we were able to hold on to and I'm not just talking about the music and dance.
This is Biblical. This goes way back. Smokey speaks truth because we are all the same. The Ruling Elite want to play on our fears of one another, but fear is not of God. God is love, and truth. The Dark Force that has been on this planet from the beginning is moving, attempting to call away God's children. God's children are all people, God loves us all. These Illuminati Elite want nothing more than to keep us under the Thumb of Racial Fear and Fighting. It keeps their power trip alive
Powerful video from Smokey. I am white, but I feel strongly that there is a malicious attempt by the ruling elite to get us all fighting, all races so they can stay up top.
Black Americans, please don't think all white people are against you. What we have here are Ruthless Psychopath Aristocratic Bankers (who just happen to be white) Treating ALL OF US like slaves. Slaves to their New World Order. White people were serfs to them in Europe, we were slaves at one point.
Cush, sweetheart,just let it go. You comment on a video I post and then have issue with me responding to your statements. Move on. Finally, no i don't like to argue but I do like to set the records str8 when one who does not know me at al makes incredibly misinformed statements about me and/or my culture. Unless you want me to respond to you again, I suggest you just keep it moving
Cush, nobody ever said they are not proud of their African heritage--in fact, if you read my comments--thats all I've been saying! But because I'm African American or Black American you EXPECT me to denounce my heritage. Don't get it twisted, I rep my people all day everyday
For those who say they are about black people or African people uniting. What word makes more sense. black american black caribbean black africans or african american, african caribbean, and africans. Well black is a color and not all so called black people are black. "Ex. SMOKEY." Now Africa is a continent so once you say african I know your descended from somebody from this continent. 1+1=2 so lets reason with common sense.
well, the Africans I've dated actually are black and truly beautiful--and would never let you call them anything but "Black African". they also always agree that "if any of you go to Africa--go home because we like black Americans as much as we like the white ones" and that's straight from my Nigerian friend sitting here with me right now
@sugafoot777 that argument doesnt work since your friend is only one person and can only speak on her own personal preferences and opinions. Reality, some Africans hate 'black' americans, and some love us. Some dont give a fuck about us which is cool because some of us dont give a fuck about them. -they also always agree that..." stop there cuz thats already a bullshit statement, they (All nigerians??) always agree?? no one in any country ever ALWAYS agrees with someone else
@SKYHIGHDOINMYTHANG - what you need to do, youngsta, is slow your roll and RE-READ my comment before you start calling it "bullshit". The THEY I was referring to were the African men (plural) I have dated and the East African friends I grew up with. I speaking for what THEY have told me.I never said I'm speaking for ALL Africans (&I LOVE my motherland, just like I love America, flaws & all)-I'm stating what I learned from them & the feelings THEY say their fam & friends back home SHARE. Peace
@cushclan well, i'm from south america...and i'm black. so i'll stick with black. do NOT call me african american, cause i'm not. nothing irks me more.
@cushclan Thats not unity that categorizing, an oversimplified one at that. I do not know what skin tone people are looking at to describe 'black' people but I have never seen a single 'black' person. More like a multitude of shades of brown. Light brown (Smokey) to dark brown (Wesley Snipes) shades in between. "I know your descended from somebody from this continent" in that case every person on the planet can say they are African, since its believed to be the origin location for humans
@RmDMaino92 Really the best you can come up with?? No clever twist to elaborate on your stupid post, just pretend its not there?? I notice ppl on YouTube do that shit all the time. I'm far from an idiot which is being proven by the posts I leave but you simple individual, you took the time to come to a page and type, "Shit is brown. Do you want to be the same color as shit?" That's retarded, not funny or cute. So that's how I reached the conclusion you're gay haha but seriously you're an idiot
@SKYHIGHDOINMYTHANG Don't flatter yourself into thinking you're so smart just based upon your few moronic posts. You aren't intelligent until society dubs you as such. And since I'm a part of society, I say you're a fucking imbecile.
@RmDMaino92 oh so the lifetime of advanced placement classes, the gifted courses, and now full-time college fits the criteria since teachers, professors, and psychologists agree I have a rather decent amount mental capabilities. Thus, even by your own description, I am an intelligent individual. And my posts are far from moronic because they clearly communicate a message. Let's not forget you commented to me first, only to type simple kiddy shit for absolutely no reason at all. Retarded
@RmDMaino92 Are you retarded?? Are you blind?? BY YOUR OWN DEFINITION OF INTELLIGENCE, I AM INTELLIGENT. If you somehow got lost in that, you are schizophrenic or something. Members of society have classified me as intelligent thus I am intelligent (that is the entire basis of your argument). Flawed reasoning because: anyone can say anything about anyone at anytime for any reason and be right (according to you)
@RmDMaino92 easy, stop replying to me fucking idiot. Why would you tell someone you dont want to talk to them when all you have to do is shut the fuck up?? Shut the fuck up. Dont reply to this, just shut the fuck up. Move on shut the fuck up. Stop watching videos of shit you dont like shut the fuck up. Really dont care how you feel just shut the fuck up. Read this and understand it to mean shut the fuck up. DO NOT REPLY, SHUT THE FUCK UP. IF YOU REPLY YOU ARE OFFICIALLY THE DUMBEST PERSON ALIVE
@SKYHIGHDOINMYTHANG Lol. You're a joke man. You can't really consider yourself intelligent. There's no way that you can honestly think you're smart, because you're not. This argument can go on forever, but it wont matter, because at the end of the day, you're just a childish little man that thinks he's a good, intelligent person. But you're not.
You know the funny thing about this black word is that it is so sometimish. Africans populated the earth first. When Europeans came to america they quickly found out africans had already journeyed and settle the americas, But now their not africans anymore their blacks. Africans were brought here as slaves but their descendants are black not african. Nationality is different from race. Your nationality is American your race is African.
Cush, I never said it wasn't. Which is why i always go by African American or Black because I do come from those Africans who were brought here against their will and one of the most important facets of any African and/or ethnic spirituality is to honor your ancestors--PERIOD, mr. "Cush"--I'm sure you knew that already. Unfortunately I, like many, were not given the great honor of keeping the history of the tribe fromwhence we came, etc. so we have to pay homage to the entire continent...
...and finally, I am AMERICAN due to my nationality as well as the fact that my anbcestors' pain, life, blood, sweat and tears built this nation. One thing I don't tolerate is any black person coming along and trying to divide their race and/or culture with some ignorance. you react to Smokey speaking on the divisive energy going on now between Africans and Africans and Americans with ignorance. Guess what? It is possible to honor your heritage, regardless
Willie Lynch "whiteman takes dark slave and impregnates her and makes a light slave. He then treats the light skin better than the dark skin and places him in his house. House nigger, Field nigger. So when field nigger rebels against slavemaster and tries to burn down his house. House nigger objects and says "no" that's my house too you can't burn it down. Sounds familiar. Now house nigga says to descendants of africanslaves forget your roots. They applaud. What the f^$k. they're workin4 Willie
Cush, this is exactly the kind of "inside" prejudice we need to stop. There also were so called "field n***ers" who sold other out. A "field n****er" informed white authorities about Nat Turner which resulted inhis death. There were also so called "house n***ers" who smiled to the bosses face and then ground up glass so fine it looked like powdered sugar, sprinkled it on their food and was able to free the workers due to the sudden and untimely death of the "master"...
Cushclan, Harriett Tubman was both a "field" and "house n***er" and bucked the system and led hundreds out of slavery. So don't fall victim to Willie Lynch mentality YOURSELF by categorizing black people into terms and classifications created by the very "man" you THINK you are hip to. before you point the finger at somebody else in your cushclan, check yourself! It's all love
Not my words That was willie lynch philosophy. My point is just as you say this black or african american is playing into willie lynch's plan of dividing africans. the ships came from africa to the caribbean then to america so whats the difference between the africans in the caribbean and america. Remember negro means black so ya'll exepting slave masters title plus where is blackland. Africans who found their roots call themselves african americans african caribbeans.
In addition, do you know taht within the institution of slavery, most field hands were recruited for the job of overseer?? They usually got the "master's" hand me downs and held the black female "house n***ers" down while the boss raped them. So don't go classifying a race of people using oppressive terms and classifications that were DESIGNED TO DIVIDE AND PERPETUATE IGNORANCE. Rise above that and seek truth and knowledge before arbitrarily throwing out ignorance disguised as pride.
Every AA is BLACK!!! As black as his brother who wasn't put on a ship with him. Where the hell you think they came from?? Every AA needs to accept the fact that they are American ONLY bcos they were born here like chinese americans or german americans etc, and not becos they originated from here. Be proud people, Africa is more than they show you on the DISCOVERY channel!!
I can't believe Bongiwe is AFRICAN! It's a SHAME! I have a problem with African Americans who DONT want to identify with where they from NOT those who are proud of their roots! Some AA say they American forgeting that every form they fill says "BLACK OR OF AFRICAN ORIGIN". Kudos to sugafoot. ALL black people r from africa, i dont care what you mixed with or where on the planet you are as long as you're a black man ur an African. I'm proud to be AFrican Bongiwe sure isn't!!
I'm a South African who has lived in America for decades. I refuse to use the term "African-American". Its so innaccurate and it throws everybody else off. Black Americans are a whole different breed from Africans, culturally, socially, etc. Now everything's labed as African and there isn't an African in the bunch. And now people use it to refer to any black person, every black is not an A-American, and every A-American is not even "black" ala Smokey. Black People here are sooooooooo confused.
Well we are all entitled to our comments. Keep this in mind though, people from glass houses should not throw stones. With all the confusion in South Africa, criticizing the same confusion as a result of colonization here in America is out of order. Those who prefer the term African American is their effort to HONOR the African ancestors who are the originators of their bloodline. Africans were scattered around the globe during the slave trade and most were segregated from their tribal...
...counterparts and their culture, tradition and identities were intentionally altered. As a BLACK person, Bongiwe, instead of contributing to the separation of blacks who long for any connection to Africa,why not spend your mental energy trying to figure out how you can better contribute to the life and culture of black people on this earth? You must realize that the black american culture is one whose only identity is the little many of us have been able to trace or have been told...
..would you rather black people in America deny any ancestral, physical, or biological connection to Africa at all?? Africans , such as yourself, Bongiwe, that have a problem with black people throughout the world attempting to remain connected to their African ancestors are the ones with the real problem. "Black" in america refers to anyone of African descent, NOT SKIN COLOR. Perhaps you should try to better understand before passing judgement
Bongiwe, you're from South Africa and passing judgement on cultural identity??? Don't the white "South Africans"--originally from Belgium, etc. call themselves "Afrikaners"--while having no African lineage at all??? Come on now--people in glass houses....
Mehn shut the fuck up! You should encourage the fact that African-Americans are trying to accept themselves as decendants of Africa. Black or not, we are all from Africa. Sugafoor777 makes sense, Bonding is what we all have to do. Black, white, hispanic, indian, "African", we are all one dammit. People just happened to migrate, willingly and unwillingly, so deal with it. We are ALL Africans.
"Bitchy87" speak your mind! Africans migrated this earth, one way or the other--we went to the south pacific in reed boats while eurpoeans were in caves (and we are still the indigenous peop of the south pacific), and unfortunately populated the earth due to the slave trade. But you are right, we have to recognize who we are--all of us--and bring it together, :-)
@bongiwe you are south african american. and smoley is black, which is a generalized term for people who have more melenin than whites. black is not subjected to being dark.
I'm not black, but I love this video a lot. Smokey's words resonate with all people, especially "minorities" like me. Long live Smokey Robinson! (His music is badass too, especially the stuff with the Miracles)
I hate it when people use the word nigga, regardless of how you twist and augment it, nigga and nigger have the same meaning. Yeh I'm black ,but I'm not a nigger.
And (even if you like it or not) it doesn't matter where you was born, black people everywhere has African ancestry.
It's interesting that someone like Smokey that has seen all the opression and suffering looks beyond the Identity of a race, but looks at the Identity of self. As a white european I find it refreshing that an 'old hand' like Smokey represents a very modern, realistic vision that a few of the more apolitical poets should take note of....Peace
i disagree when he talks about if we were to go back to africa, we would not be accepted. that's a big misconception. We wouldn't be an african-american in africa takin up space.
Possibly. But even the Africans i know and have dated have said that in certain parts of America--Americans of any kind are nto accepted. depends on where you go, I guess--like most fo the world
hmm all the more reason why I am a black american descended for our african forefathers. How about this, let's not get so caught up in trying to break down PC labels that cannot apply to us because our culture is too multifaceted to be labeled one generic thing. Instead, let's breakdown a timeline on moving towards progress and becoming what we once were. Now that's a concept that is worth the time and energy to break down :-) IM BLACK AND IM PROUD
jabmalassie 4 days ago
@jabmalassie
Different perspective. Nobody is right or wrong.
jabmalassie 4 days ago
You are a African American all day long Smokey Robinson!
dcwethepeople 2 weeks ago
So amazing, as a lover of poetry, black literature and culture, Smokey as a musician, I came upon this by accident and I'm so glad I did. I was FLOORED, and in awe.
leslie887 1 month ago
he better speak..this is one of the best BLACK MEN there is. He is a wonderful example of a man..and he better speak the truth..
MsCherie1993 2 months ago in playlist Liked videos
Please Take Time To listen
koolkidfromda3 2 months ago 3
**snap snap snap** you better say tht Smokey!!! loved it.
promise2bperfect 3 months ago 2
03:55-04:09the best use of the term "nigga please" i've ever heard
TKManUTD1989 4 months ago 11
I always loved Smokey! Now I really love Smokey!
Ditotiago6 5 months ago 5
4:00 was the funniest part.
u2hubbard 6 months ago
smokey is about as black as the moon
astroboirap 6 months ago
@astroboirap Black is a mind set. If you are human, you are an African. You may be a genetic mutation of the original Africa, but you are an African.
PatsBooks 2 months ago
There are no words for how good and how on point this poem was! Really loves that he acknowledges the evolution of man.
MercedesDiane 6 months ago
@MercedesDiane I really love that he acknowledges Adam and Eve. Every racist I ever knew believed in evolution, and that the black man was closer to an ape and less evolved.
TruthSayer2 3 months ago
@TruthSayer2 I know far more racist religious folks than secularist. As a matter of fact, we don't even believe in race because in science it has no merit. This poem was not about one "race" over another but the identity of a people. Slavery stripped Black people in America of all their culture and ever since they have been desperately seeking a way to define themselves. That is what he is talking about.
MercedesDiane 3 months ago
I'M AMERICAN AMERICAN AND MY CORE IS BLACK
FLYESTBIRD 6 months ago
LOVING IT
FLYESTBIRD 6 months ago
thats motherfucking right
mrneal03 6 months ago
He speaks the truth.
Jennein 7 months ago
Never get tired of this piece. Sometimes you just need a tune up of inspiration
GeeCaver 7 months ago
oh shit I'm black and I'm proud lol, I love this
datpoetgurl 7 months ago
well said smokey, well said.
Capri1160 7 months ago
Tears.
SoDanelle2009 8 months ago
Black isn't about color, it's our core.
lspit84 8 months ago
The Word.
lspit84 8 months ago
I'm not African American. I'm a Black American. PERIOD. smokey said it best.
indeed1234 9 months ago 10
most black people haven't been to africa so why do we call them african-americans is it to keep what was good or seemed good while in africa before slavery and classification happened, you never hear african-brit no you call them black, at the same time their should be no classification but the difference in skin causes there to be a color barrier, and how come we don't speak about other ethics backrounds, i do like what smokey was saying but there are things i can't say about him
blanketshades 9 months ago
this should have like waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more veiws
rqueener216 10 months ago
STRAIGHT AND TO THE POINT...........
hrngofcr1 10 months ago
Smokey I love every bit of what you said, it's the truth, powerful and real... Ilook forward to the days when more black men can say it like they mean it, you know walking the walk and talking the talk, excellent!
resarenee1 10 months ago
he wants 2 claim being but but is ashamed of his african origins as are most black ppl in america.read between the lines this guys sux
LilBlitz116 10 months ago
this if funny but a white person in the audience may feel awkward
LilBlitz116 10 months ago
Smokey is kind of the man on this one, but I always just think of Chris Tucker in Rush Hour 2 saying "Lionel Richie ain't been black since the Commodores!"
Noxshus 11 months ago
A LEGEND
JUANO510 11 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
hey guys i need help.... i just put a video up and i need some VIEWS, i know most ppl can care LESS if u can just view it, QUICKLY and write something i would appreciate it yall PLEASE. PLEASE
IM Desparate guys. LUV u GUYS
JUANO510 11 months ago
AMAZING
JUANO510 11 months ago
iF HE DIDN'T SPECK THE DAMN TRUTH THEN I DONT KNOW WHAT THE DAMN TRUTH IS LOL
cpeezy02 11 months ago
like smokey said black is not our color it's our core i consider myself black
awsullyful 1 year ago
like smokey said black is not our color it's our core
awsullyful 1 year ago
That is mor than the average black person can handle. but i am black and i am proud. thanks smokey
Sirivi1 1 year ago
dis rite her sum real shit
hotness195 1 year ago
NOBODY TAKES MORE PRIDE IN BEING BLACK THAN BLACK AMERICANS!!
jakcre 1 year ago
wonder full ...very nice... i can add one more thing about BLACK PEOPLE.. very unique ,, in ISLAM every Muslim is praying 5 times a day.. before prayer we do azan ( means calling for prayer). the very first azan in ISLAM was done by HAZRAT BILAL (pbuh) and he was black. I don't know but inside my heart i always love BLACK PEOPLE. GOD BLESS all of you.
TAHIR , PAKISTAN
tahirdobaz 1 year ago
Truer words have NEVER been spoken. This should be taught in school. Thanks, Smokey.
khrayt 1 year ago
the only annoying thing about this video is mof goofy def... "schamoookaaaaaaaay!"
astroboirap 1 year ago
I love this!!!!!! Preach it!!!!!
TheYogina 1 year ago
...black African American....that's me!
63weezer 1 year ago
i rather b called just black africa was named after a white cat name africanus and america named after a white cat too ......YEAH BLACK THATS ME
eartdaflo 1 year ago
Smokey's views on Africa are disappointing. I am African American/Black and I have been to Africa many times. My experience is that if you don't go to Africa acting a fool, if you have a little patience, if you are willing to listen and learn, our people there happily embrace us. I think you can be black and proud and be African all at once.
bigblackafrika 1 year ago
I'd love to shake this man's hand, look him in the eyes, and thank him.
darko870 1 year ago 2
3:53-4:07 is pure gold
WeNeedARevoIution 1 year ago
Yes Mr. Robinson!!!
iJovETM 1 year ago
i love this poem.
13deidei 1 year ago
wow,, very cool,, love it
solanima2007 1 year ago
This is wonderful way of explaining who we really are and Smokey did it very well. There is a difference between Black American and African American. Look at the birth certificates. If you are black and born in the USA - you are a Black American; and if you were born in Africa and got a green card to be here in America (USA), then you are an African American. Don't get it twisted!!! It doesn't matter who your descendants are. Your birth certificates tell who you really are.
artelia115 1 year ago
PREACH IT BROTHA!! Gotta respect a man like Smokey Robinson most black people I come across with less than heis features (green eyes, light skin, straight nose and wavy hair) walk around like they're the shit and deny or down grade being black but here is Smokey HANDSOME as hell and let the world know I'M BLACK AND I'M PROUD!!!
Bonethugett 1 year ago 2
amazing.
arcticjungle6 1 year ago
Smokey is one of the genius' behind the Motown sound. Young black folks, please research your musical and poetic history. Too many of you do not know much about your artistic history, that is if you think brother Smokey is unusual in this piece!!
JazzMaestra 2 years ago 3
I love this poem BUT there are things ppl dont get abt the term African American.
1) its NOT our Nationality, our Nationality is American just like everyone else
2) African American is our ETHNICITY.
Our ancestors came from Africa & weve been mixed while in America = AA.
Africans straight from Africa have countries they are Nigerian American, Kenyan Amer..w/e. Whites walk around saying they r Irish/German... but they are American. Just like that we are AA ethnically & Americans.
~peace~
beckirene 2 years ago 21
@beckirene Very true!.... but that's why His poem is about how he feels. He even said I'll give you your reference, but as a black American I'd rather be just that as well. I mean, I'm American & feel it's silly to make such a fuss in 2010. Did you know in the census beauru has negro as an option now?! When will it end?
flicks2watch3 2 years ago
@beckirene African American is a nationality. I am a BLACK African American. I have WHITE African American friends. you sir/madam might be a Black American do you see it?
onyema11 10 months ago
@beckirene haha some people don´t know that haha
behinddacurtain 5 months ago
@beckirene And those ethnicities make sense for people whose family recently immigrated. Their native culture still forms a significant part of who they are. But what Smokey was pointing out was that the ethnicity that the term African American describes is not an African ethnicity. There's nothing like it in that whole continent. Attaching black people to Africa makes as much sense as attaching white people to Europe. There are definitely notable roots there, but the cultures separated long ago
QuakerMC 4 months ago
he a motha fuckin P I M P
rock90123 2 years ago
SMOKEY JUZ SMOKED IT !!He was sooo smooth & nice wit it .U kno they say wine gets betta time!
EXTRAORDINARE1 2 years ago
smokey put it down the why it should be told thanks smokey.
oldschoolmama1959 2 years ago 3
Beautifully worded.
Nathan0802 2 years ago
, i m a black, and proud african.some african american want to reject africa because of the economic part of things, but every one has a home. intelectuals powerful african american love africa they know their history more than any one . they have nothing againts africa they love it ,and they know it is their HOME as their FATHERS said and swore.( Martin luther, Micheal jackson, jese jackson , oprah,malcom X ,web dubois)live and even died in africa Micheal J was king in ivory coast JeseJ too
saharianboy 2 years ago
@saharianboy i agree but i embrace africa as the home of my ancestors not MY home. america is my home n i will not reject it bcuz its where my ppl but in hard work and accomplishments not in africa. the slave trade was over 300 years thats a whole lot of generations of my ppl in america. but yes africa was the beginning and i will never disrespect the continent
jakcre 1 year ago
Good vid. I am white and have only ever met one true African American. She was very offended by all the black people in America. She said it very sad to see black people who always say they can't make it because this country is not made for black people to be successful. She came from Africa and went to college for FREE. She now has a very successful job and has 3 kids. She thinks it is sad to see young black people abuse their freedoms and never work towards success.
fckliberalS7 2 years ago
I have been to Africa twice and the people were very accepting of African Americans. I saw people there who reminded me of friends and family here. There are differences of course but you will be surprised at how much of the culture we were able to hold on to and I'm not just talking about the music and dance.
lavenderhousefilms 2 years ago 2
I LOVE THIS I AINT KNOW HE WAS THAT DEEP
youngsaint2009 2 years ago
This is Biblical. This goes way back. Smokey speaks truth because we are all the same. The Ruling Elite want to play on our fears of one another, but fear is not of God. God is love, and truth. The Dark Force that has been on this planet from the beginning is moving, attempting to call away God's children. God's children are all people, God loves us all. These Illuminati Elite want nothing more than to keep us under the Thumb of Racial Fear and Fighting. It keeps their power trip alive
bryshning22 2 years ago
Powerful video from Smokey. I am white, but I feel strongly that there is a malicious attempt by the ruling elite to get us all fighting, all races so they can stay up top.
Black Americans, please don't think all white people are against you. What we have here are Ruthless Psychopath Aristocratic Bankers (who just happen to be white) Treating ALL OF US like slaves. Slaves to their New World Order. White people were serfs to them in Europe, we were slaves at one point.
bryshning22 2 years ago 4
Cush, sweetheart,just let it go. You comment on a video I post and then have issue with me responding to your statements. Move on. Finally, no i don't like to argue but I do like to set the records str8 when one who does not know me at al makes incredibly misinformed statements about me and/or my culture. Unless you want me to respond to you again, I suggest you just keep it moving
sugafoot777 2 years ago
Cush, nobody ever said they are not proud of their African heritage--in fact, if you read my comments--thats all I've been saying! But because I'm African American or Black American you EXPECT me to denounce my heritage. Don't get it twisted, I rep my people all day everyday
sugafoot777 2 years ago
For those who say they are about black people or African people uniting. What word makes more sense. black american black caribbean black africans or african american, african caribbean, and africans. Well black is a color and not all so called black people are black. "Ex. SMOKEY." Now Africa is a continent so once you say african I know your descended from somebody from this continent. 1+1=2 so lets reason with common sense.
cushclan 2 years ago
well, the Africans I've dated actually are black and truly beautiful--and would never let you call them anything but "Black African". they also always agree that "if any of you go to Africa--go home because we like black Americans as much as we like the white ones" and that's straight from my Nigerian friend sitting here with me right now
sugafoot777 2 years ago 5
@sugafoot777 that argument doesnt work since your friend is only one person and can only speak on her own personal preferences and opinions. Reality, some Africans hate 'black' americans, and some love us. Some dont give a fuck about us which is cool because some of us dont give a fuck about them. -they also always agree that..." stop there cuz thats already a bullshit statement, they (All nigerians??) always agree?? no one in any country ever ALWAYS agrees with someone else
SKYHIGHDOINMYTHANG 1 year ago 4
@SKYHIGHDOINMYTHANG - what you need to do, youngsta, is slow your roll and RE-READ my comment before you start calling it "bullshit". The THEY I was referring to were the African men (plural) I have dated and the East African friends I grew up with. I speaking for what THEY have told me.I never said I'm speaking for ALL Africans (&I LOVE my motherland, just like I love America, flaws & all)-I'm stating what I learned from them & the feelings THEY say their fam & friends back home SHARE. Peace
sugafoot777 1 year ago 3
@cushclan well, i'm from south america...and i'm black. so i'll stick with black. do NOT call me african american, cause i'm not. nothing irks me more.
ghlover2001 1 year ago
@cushclan Thats not unity that categorizing, an oversimplified one at that. I do not know what skin tone people are looking at to describe 'black' people but I have never seen a single 'black' person. More like a multitude of shades of brown. Light brown (Smokey) to dark brown (Wesley Snipes) shades in between. "I know your descended from somebody from this continent" in that case every person on the planet can say they are African, since its believed to be the origin location for humans
SKYHIGHDOINMYTHANG 1 year ago
@SKYHIGHDOINMYTHANG Shit is brown. Do you want to be the same color as shit?
RmDMaino92 1 year ago
@RmDMaino92 It must be fun being an idiot
SKYHIGHDOINMYTHANG 1 year ago
@SKYHIGHDOINMYTHANG I guess. I mean, you seem to be enjoying yourself.
RmDMaino92 1 year ago
@RmDMaino92 Really the best you can come up with?? No clever twist to elaborate on your stupid post, just pretend its not there?? I notice ppl on YouTube do that shit all the time. I'm far from an idiot which is being proven by the posts I leave but you simple individual, you took the time to come to a page and type, "Shit is brown. Do you want to be the same color as shit?" That's retarded, not funny or cute. So that's how I reached the conclusion you're gay haha but seriously you're an idiot
SKYHIGHDOINMYTHANG 1 year ago
@SKYHIGHDOINMYTHANG Don't flatter yourself into thinking you're so smart just based upon your few moronic posts. You aren't intelligent until society dubs you as such. And since I'm a part of society, I say you're a fucking imbecile.
RmDMaino92 1 year ago
@RmDMaino92 oh so the lifetime of advanced placement classes, the gifted courses, and now full-time college fits the criteria since teachers, professors, and psychologists agree I have a rather decent amount mental capabilities. Thus, even by your own description, I am an intelligent individual. And my posts are far from moronic because they clearly communicate a message. Let's not forget you commented to me first, only to type simple kiddy shit for absolutely no reason at all. Retarded
SKYHIGHDOINMYTHANG 1 year ago
@SKYHIGHDOINMYTHANG Like I said, you're not as intelligent as you think.
RmDMaino92 1 year ago
@RmDMaino92 Are you retarded?? Are you blind?? BY YOUR OWN DEFINITION OF INTELLIGENCE, I AM INTELLIGENT. If you somehow got lost in that, you are schizophrenic or something. Members of society have classified me as intelligent thus I am intelligent (that is the entire basis of your argument). Flawed reasoning because: anyone can say anything about anyone at anytime for any reason and be right (according to you)
SKYHIGHDOINMYTHANG 1 year ago
@SKYHIGHDOINMYTHANG Let me know when you're ready to shut the fuck up.
RmDMaino92 1 year ago
@RmDMaino92 easy, stop replying to me fucking idiot. Why would you tell someone you dont want to talk to them when all you have to do is shut the fuck up?? Shut the fuck up. Dont reply to this, just shut the fuck up. Move on shut the fuck up. Stop watching videos of shit you dont like shut the fuck up. Really dont care how you feel just shut the fuck up. Read this and understand it to mean shut the fuck up. DO NOT REPLY, SHUT THE FUCK UP. IF YOU REPLY YOU ARE OFFICIALLY THE DUMBEST PERSON ALIVE
SKYHIGHDOINMYTHANG 1 year ago
@SKYHIGHDOINMYTHANG Lol. You're a joke man. You can't really consider yourself intelligent. There's no way that you can honestly think you're smart, because you're not. This argument can go on forever, but it wont matter, because at the end of the day, you're just a childish little man that thinks he's a good, intelligent person. But you're not.
RmDMaino92 11 months ago
You know the funny thing about this black word is that it is so sometimish. Africans populated the earth first. When Europeans came to america they quickly found out africans had already journeyed and settle the americas, But now their not africans anymore their blacks. Africans were brought here as slaves but their descendants are black not african. Nationality is different from race. Your nationality is American your race is African.
cushclan 2 years ago
Cush, I never said it wasn't. Which is why i always go by African American or Black because I do come from those Africans who were brought here against their will and one of the most important facets of any African and/or ethnic spirituality is to honor your ancestors--PERIOD, mr. "Cush"--I'm sure you knew that already. Unfortunately I, like many, were not given the great honor of keeping the history of the tribe fromwhence we came, etc. so we have to pay homage to the entire continent...
sugafoot777 2 years ago
...and finally, I am AMERICAN due to my nationality as well as the fact that my anbcestors' pain, life, blood, sweat and tears built this nation. One thing I don't tolerate is any black person coming along and trying to divide their race and/or culture with some ignorance. you react to Smokey speaking on the divisive energy going on now between Africans and Africans and Americans with ignorance. Guess what? It is possible to honor your heritage, regardless
sugafoot777 2 years ago
Actually there is only one race HUMAN, everything else is sematics.
ladylestat01 2 years ago
Willie Lynch "whiteman takes dark slave and impregnates her and makes a light slave. He then treats the light skin better than the dark skin and places him in his house. House nigger, Field nigger. So when field nigger rebels against slavemaster and tries to burn down his house. House nigger objects and says "no" that's my house too you can't burn it down. Sounds familiar. Now house nigga says to descendants of africanslaves forget your roots. They applaud. What the f^$k. they're workin4 Willie
cushclan 2 years ago
Cush, this is exactly the kind of "inside" prejudice we need to stop. There also were so called "field n***ers" who sold other out. A "field n****er" informed white authorities about Nat Turner which resulted inhis death. There were also so called "house n***ers" who smiled to the bosses face and then ground up glass so fine it looked like powdered sugar, sprinkled it on their food and was able to free the workers due to the sudden and untimely death of the "master"...
sugafoot777 2 years ago
Cushclan, Harriett Tubman was both a "field" and "house n***er" and bucked the system and led hundreds out of slavery. So don't fall victim to Willie Lynch mentality YOURSELF by categorizing black people into terms and classifications created by the very "man" you THINK you are hip to. before you point the finger at somebody else in your cushclan, check yourself! It's all love
sugafoot777 2 years ago
Not my words That was willie lynch philosophy. My point is just as you say this black or african american is playing into willie lynch's plan of dividing africans. the ships came from africa to the caribbean then to america so whats the difference between the africans in the caribbean and america. Remember negro means black so ya'll exepting slave masters title plus where is blackland. Africans who found their roots call themselves african americans african caribbeans.
cushclan 2 years ago
In addition, do you know taht within the institution of slavery, most field hands were recruited for the job of overseer?? They usually got the "master's" hand me downs and held the black female "house n***ers" down while the boss raped them. So don't go classifying a race of people using oppressive terms and classifications that were DESIGNED TO DIVIDE AND PERPETUATE IGNORANCE. Rise above that and seek truth and knowledge before arbitrarily throwing out ignorance disguised as pride.
sugafoot777 2 years ago
Every AA is BLACK!!! As black as his brother who wasn't put on a ship with him. Where the hell you think they came from?? Every AA needs to accept the fact that they are American ONLY bcos they were born here like chinese americans or german americans etc, and not becos they originated from here. Be proud people, Africa is more than they show you on the DISCOVERY channel!!
ReachingOutToYou 2 years ago
I can't believe Bongiwe is AFRICAN! It's a SHAME! I have a problem with African Americans who DONT want to identify with where they from NOT those who are proud of their roots! Some AA say they American forgeting that every form they fill says "BLACK OR OF AFRICAN ORIGIN". Kudos to sugafoot. ALL black people r from africa, i dont care what you mixed with or where on the planet you are as long as you're a black man ur an African. I'm proud to be AFrican Bongiwe sure isn't!!
ReachingOutToYou 2 years ago
I didn't know he was a poet
FunBoy15 2 years ago
i believe that blacks and whites should join to do something aboutthe big shots who keep dividing us HARRY C BOYTE
TH3NM3WITHIN1984 2 years ago
I'm a South African who has lived in America for decades. I refuse to use the term "African-American". Its so innaccurate and it throws everybody else off. Black Americans are a whole different breed from Africans, culturally, socially, etc. Now everything's labed as African and there isn't an African in the bunch. And now people use it to refer to any black person, every black is not an A-American, and every A-American is not even "black" ala Smokey. Black People here are sooooooooo confused.
bongiwe 2 years ago
Well we are all entitled to our comments. Keep this in mind though, people from glass houses should not throw stones. With all the confusion in South Africa, criticizing the same confusion as a result of colonization here in America is out of order. Those who prefer the term African American is their effort to HONOR the African ancestors who are the originators of their bloodline. Africans were scattered around the globe during the slave trade and most were segregated from their tribal...
sugafoot777 2 years ago
...counterparts and their culture, tradition and identities were intentionally altered. As a BLACK person, Bongiwe, instead of contributing to the separation of blacks who long for any connection to Africa,why not spend your mental energy trying to figure out how you can better contribute to the life and culture of black people on this earth? You must realize that the black american culture is one whose only identity is the little many of us have been able to trace or have been told...
sugafoot777 2 years ago
..would you rather black people in America deny any ancestral, physical, or biological connection to Africa at all?? Africans , such as yourself, Bongiwe, that have a problem with black people throughout the world attempting to remain connected to their African ancestors are the ones with the real problem. "Black" in america refers to anyone of African descent, NOT SKIN COLOR. Perhaps you should try to better understand before passing judgement
sugafoot777 2 years ago
Bongiwe, you're from South Africa and passing judgement on cultural identity??? Don't the white "South Africans"--originally from Belgium, etc. call themselves "Afrikaners"--while having no African lineage at all??? Come on now--people in glass houses....
sugafoot777 2 years ago
Mehn shut the fuck up! You should encourage the fact that African-Americans are trying to accept themselves as decendants of Africa. Black or not, we are all from Africa. Sugafoor777 makes sense, Bonding is what we all have to do. Black, white, hispanic, indian, "African", we are all one dammit. People just happened to migrate, willingly and unwillingly, so deal with it. We are ALL Africans.
Bitchy87 2 years ago
"Bitchy87" speak your mind! Africans migrated this earth, one way or the other--we went to the south pacific in reed boats while eurpoeans were in caves (and we are still the indigenous peop of the south pacific), and unfortunately populated the earth due to the slave trade. But you are right, we have to recognize who we are--all of us--and bring it together, :-)
sugafoot777 2 years ago
@bongiwe you are south african american. and smoley is black, which is a generalized term for people who have more melenin than whites. black is not subjected to being dark.
mjjcng8958 11 months ago
I'm not black, but I love this video a lot. Smokey's words resonate with all people, especially "minorities" like me. Long live Smokey Robinson! (His music is badass too, especially the stuff with the Miracles)
34Illmatic 2 years ago
This reminds me of a saying...
"When you take away a communities culture, that community effectively ceases to exist"
This is a prime example.
Sobekkha 2 years ago
I hate it when people use the word nigga, regardless of how you twist and augment it, nigga and nigger have the same meaning. Yeh I'm black ,but I'm not a nigger.
And (even if you like it or not) it doesn't matter where you was born, black people everywhere has African ancestry.
Sobekkha 2 years ago
so true!
sugafoot777 2 years ago
this is sooooo raw. i was super proud to hear him say this. im black nd im proud!
kingsway08 2 years ago
TIGHT AS POEM TOO
reeciethepoet 2 years ago
Check out my poem video Letter To America leave comments and if you have something you want me to watch I will definetely
reeciethepoet 2 years ago
smokey robinson at his best
noodleboix 2 years ago
i agree 100% !!!!
UTbby 2 years ago
I love this! I am an American and damn proud of it!
ladymidnyte 2 years ago
Smokey looks like he is atleast half white.
Harshcore811 2 years ago
RIGHT ON, SMOKEY!!!
BronkoScunkadelik 2 years ago
It's interesting that someone like Smokey that has seen all the opression and suffering looks beyond the Identity of a race, but looks at the Identity of self. As a white european I find it refreshing that an 'old hand' like Smokey represents a very modern, realistic vision that a few of the more apolitical poets should take note of....Peace
fluidjazz 2 years ago
im not american. but im african living in england. nd i loveeed that. so true.
dtm876 2 years ago 2
words dont do it justice
Philharris1256 2 years ago 3
Wow that was good!!!
mnttwin2 2 years ago 2
that was amazing!!!!!!
angeltylar35 2 years ago 3
He rocked that!.... wow
musiqboy3989 2 years ago 5
That was the truest shit I've EVER heard
ngvecchio 2 years ago 23
Damn Smokey can spit. Beautiful rhyme.
esauofrensfal 3 years ago
Damn!! Speak Man!!!!
3rdtrinity 3 years ago 4
hahaha are you serious!!! yo Smokey is the MAN!
jnguz005 3 years ago 4
Smokey is Genius. Last of the Mohicans.
gsg9ff 3 years ago 3
Absolutely Good!!! Saw This Is In My Class 11/07. We Were All Like " Yeah!" "Th@s Right!"
N My Prof. Agreed. N He Is Caucassian.
Briauna8907 3 years ago
i disagree when he talks about if we were to go back to africa, we would not be accepted. that's a big misconception. We wouldn't be an african-american in africa takin up space.
ichbinklug15 3 years ago
Have u ever talked to an real African about their feelings toward black people.
TIERRAJe 3 years ago 4
Possibly. But even the Africans i know and have dated have said that in certain parts of America--Americans of any kind are nto accepted. depends on where you go, I guess--like most fo the world
sugafoot777 2 years ago
i agree 100%
beatlesfan129 3 years ago
black = color
African = identity
American = citezenship
Don't get it twisted
Righteouspowered 3 years ago 22
hmm all the more reason why I am a black american descended for our african forefathers. How about this, let's not get so caught up in trying to break down PC labels that cannot apply to us because our culture is too multifaceted to be labeled one generic thing. Instead, let's breakdown a timeline on moving towards progress and becoming what we once were. Now that's a concept that is worth the time and energy to break down :-) IM BLACK AND IM PROUD
sugafoot777 3 years ago
thanks for posting this i had wanted to see since it aired
greenlllllllllllllll 3 years ago 3
so am I. I'm the one who gave him the information and I helped him write it
alexissingleton 3 years ago
so true
alexissingleton 3 years ago
Its citizenship dummy
ekeys1221 3 years ago
@Righteouspowered
why do we as a people (meaning the human race) have to label everything? why can't we just...be?
TheKStar010 1 year ago
@TheKStar010 Thank You
Kemj24 1 year ago
Sad Very Sad We African
Rmkb03 3 years ago
I agree 100% with Smokey. We are Black!
ekeys1221 3 years ago 4
black, proud (most of us) and beautiful!
sugafoot777 3 years ago
lol
alexissingleton 3 years ago