Melvin Van Peebles
Brer Soul
Rare & Collectible Vinyl Records

1969 White label promo in gatefold. Inside fold out in great shape. *Brer Soul* stands as a pioneering spoken word album that blends poetry, jazz, soul, and funk. Created during the same period as his groundbreaking film *Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song*, the album reflects Van Peebles’ bold approach to storytelling and social commentary. The record’s structure—featuring spoken narratives delivered over lively, improvisational instrumentation—places it at the forefront of proto-rap and performance poetry movements. Van Peebles uses his distinctive voice to tackle themes of Black life in America, weaving humor, satire, and pointed observations into each track.

*Brer Soul* was released on A&M Records and is notable for its experimental sound and its influence on later artists in hip-hop and avant-garde music. The album’s reception at the time was mixed, as its unconventional style challenged traditional music industry norms, but it has since been recognized as a visionary work. Van Peebles’ willingness to blur genre boundaries and address complex issues through innovative musical forms helped pave the way for future generations of artists who use music as a platform for social critique and artistic experimentation.