Search - Malcolm X :: Words From Frontlines - Speech Excerpts

Not the best legacy for a great man.

needstobuyabike | Chicago, IL USA | 10/28/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The life of Malcolm X saw drastic changes over its duration. This collection captures that in a way, with excerpts of speeches from his early stages under Elijah Muhammad through his break with the Nation of Islam and his independent political evolution. The fifth track on this album features a great presentation of his "Grass Roots" speech (House Negro vs. Field Negro). Not much could keep Malcolm X from getting five stars in any review but the three stars offered here are for these speeches being excerpts. Most of them are missing the emotional build-up that almost inevitably preceded the portions of the speeches on this recording. I have a hard time believing that one could truly capture the "Grass Roots" speech in excerpt, nor any of the others. An intellect and orator so profound and talented as Malcolm X deserves to be heard in his entirety. I do think this would be an excellent addition under a few circumstances. Perhaps as an introduction to brother Malcolm, or maybe for use in sampling by more conscious beatnuts."