Black Deth 101 Podcast: Black Film, Blaxploitation, Exploitation Movies, 1970s Film History, Soul

Nubius Black and Johnny Deth
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Black Deth Blaxploitation 101 A bold, funky, history-deep Blaxploitation show blending film-school analysis with streetwise swagger— Nubius Black & Johnny Deth break it down like nobody else. Step into the funk-soaked world of Blaxploitation cinema. Johnny Deth and Nubious Black—two unapologetic voices breaking down the boldest, Blackest, baddest films of the '70s and beyond. From Shaft to Super Fly, from Curtis Mayfield grooves to Isaac Hayes' cinematic revolution, this podcast goes deep into the stories, sounds, and soul of a genre that changed everything. Raw, funny, fearless—and always funky.

  1. Shaft's Big Score - Blaxploitation Detective Classic of Black Film 1972

    3D AGO

    Shaft's Big Score - Blaxploitation Detective Classic of Black Film 1972

    Black Deth 101 — Shaft’s Big Score! Nubius Black & Johnny Deth are back in the cut, and this time the streets are louder, the money is dirtier, and Shaft is moving through New York like a one-man storm. In this episode, we dig into Shaft’s Big Score! — the 1972 sequel that brought Richard Roundtree back as the smoothest private eye in the game, with Gordon Parks once again behind the camera. The first Shaft made the man a legend. This one gives him more action, more attitude, more style, and a bigger playground to run through. We break down how the film opens with a bang — literally — as a friend of Shaft’s is killed and a missing stash of money sends gangsters, cops, and hustlers all circling the same prize. From Harlem streets to sleek high-rises, from backroom deals to dockside shootouts, Shaft’s Big Score! takes the detective story and blows it up into a full-blown urban action thriller. We also talk about: Richard Roundtree stepping deeper into the Shaft personaCool, confident, sharp as a switchblade, and never begging for permission. Gordon Parks as director and composerYes, the man directed it and scored it, giving the movie its own flavor separate from Isaac Hayes’ legendary first-film soundtrack. The shift from street detective story to bigger action spectacleCar chases, boat chases, helicopter action, shootouts — this sequel went for scale. The women, the villains, and the power playsThis film has everyone chasing money, control, respect, and survival. The deeper subtextShaft isn’t just solving a crime. He’s navigating a world where Black power, organized crime, police pressure, and money all collide in the early 1970s urban landscape. Why this movie still mattersIt may not have the same cultural earthquake reputation as the first Shaft, but Shaft’s Big Score! proves the character had room to grow — bigger, bolder, and more cinematic. So slide on in, cool cats. We’re talking money, murder, muscle, and that leather-coated legend himself. Shaft’s Big Score!The baddest private eye is back — and this time the score is bigger than ever. Listen now to Black Deth 101 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your funky film history.

    44 min
  2. HELL UP IN HARLEM! Black Caesar's Sweet Revenge: Fred "The Hammer" Williamson Black Film Classic 1972 1970s Blaxploitation Classic

    MAY 6

    HELL UP IN HARLEM! Black Caesar's Sweet Revenge: Fred "The Hammer" Williamson Black Film Classic 1972 1970s Blaxploitation Classic

    Hell Up in Harlem — The Sequel to Black Caesar Slide on in… you’re back with Black Deth 101, where the streets talk, the funk walks, and the cinema hits like a back-alley deal gone wrong. This week, Nubius & Johnny break down Hell Up in Harlem, the hard-hitting sequel to Black Caesar, starring the one and only Fred Williamson as Tommy Gibbs—a man clawing his way back from death’s doorstep. After being gunned down in the streets he once ruled, Tommy ain’t finished—not by a long shot. This time it’s personal. Betrayal, revenge, and power collide as he fights to reclaim what’s his in a city that’s already moved on. The rise and fall… and rise again of Tommy GibbsHow this sequel doubles down on grit, violence, and revengeThe shift from empire-building in Black Caesar to survival mode in Hell Up in HarlemWhy Fred Williamson became one of the coldest antiheroes of the 70sStreet-level storytelling with no apologiesRaw energy and real-deal locationsThat unmistakable 70s edge—slick suits, hard choices, no heroesA story about power… and the price that comes with itFred Williamson as Tommy GibbsGloria HendryJulius W. HarrisDirected by Larry Cohen“First he took the throne… then they took him down… now he’s back to settle the score.” Follow Black Deth 101 on Spotify, share it with your crew, and keep the conversation alive. Because this ain’t just a podcast……it’s a revolution with rhythm. 🔥 Black Caesar Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5O9VS95GJVxyIpPT3MR0ei?si=tLVysJ8-TEySy3TsM-iR6Q 🎬 What We Break Down:🎧 What Makes It Hit:🔥 Key Players:🎤 Black Deth Take:📢 Tap In

    57 min
  3. Candy Tangerine Man - Blaxploitation Pimp 1975 Movie 1970s AfroSoul Black Film History

    APR 23

    Candy Tangerine Man - Blaxploitation Pimp 1975 Movie 1970s AfroSoul Black Film History

    Black Deth 101 episode: The Candy Tangerine Man (1975) Slide on in, cool cats… this week Nubius and Johnny cruise through the neon-soaked, streetwise hustle of The Candy Tangerine Man — a slick slice of mid-70s L.A. life where the daytime grind meets the nighttime game. By day, he’s a straight-laced businessman.By night… he’s Candy. 🍊 This ain’t your typical blaxploitation pimp flick—it’s a character study wrapped in Cadillac chrome, with a beat that rides somewhere between ambition and illusion. Year: 1975Director: Matt CimberStar: John DanielsGenre: Blaxploitation / Drama / Slice-of-LifeSetting: Los Angeles – day hustle vs. night fantasy🔸 Dual Identity HustleJohnny by day vs. Candy by night — we dig into what that split really means. Is Candy power… or performance? 🔸 The Illusion of ControlCandy looks like he runs the streets—but does he really? Or is he just another player in a bigger system? 🔸 Masculinity & Image in the 70sFlash, women, cars… but underneath? Pressure, insecurity, survival. 🔸 L.A. as a CharacterFrom quiet suburban streets to neon-lit boulevards—this film feels like 1975. Johnny / Candy – John DanielsThe Women in Candy’s WorldDirected by Matt Cimber, known for blending exploitation with oddly personal storytelling.Star John Daniels also co-wrote the film—this is his vision of the lifestyle, not just a role.Shot on location in Los Angeles, giving it that raw, lived-in authenticity.This ain’t just about a man with two names…This is about the cost of becoming what the world expects you to be. Candy ain’t just a persona—he’s armor.And every night he puts it on… he loses a little more of the man underneath. Funky, laid-back groovesStreet jazz energyThat cruising-at-night, windows-down L.A. feelUnlike heavier hitters like Super Fly or Shaft, this film plays it quieter… more personal. It’s not about taking over the system—It’s about surviving inside it… and maybe fooling yourself along the way. “Some cats chase the crown…Candy? He wears it—Even if it’s made of glass, baby.” What do you think—Is Candy in control… or just playing the role too well? Drop your thoughts, leave a review, and keep those reels rollin’. 🎬 Film Basics🧠 What We Break Down🎭 Key Players🎥 Behind the Scenes🔍 Subtext Corner (Johnny Deth Style)🎶 Vibes & Sound🧨 Why It Matters🎤 📣 Join the Conversation

    46 min
  4. GET OUT! Academy Award Winning masterpiece Classice Black Film 2017 Blaxploitation InspirationI Afro Soul Black Deth 101 Podcast

    APR 8

    GET OUT! Academy Award Winning masterpiece Classice Black Film 2017 Blaxploitation InspirationI Afro Soul Black Deth 101 Podcast

    🎤 Episode Description (Black Deth 101 – Get Out) Slide on in, baby… but don’t get too comfortable. This week on Black Deth 101, Johnny Deth and Nubius peel back the polite smiles and eerie silences of Get Out—the film that flipped horror on its head and made the whole world look twice at a friendly handshake. We take you back to a different kind of nightmare… where the danger ain’t loud—it’s quiet, smiling, and sipping tea. Where compliments cut deep, and “welcome” don’t always mean you’re safe. From the hypnotic horror of the Sunken Place to the razor-sharp vision of Jordan Peele, we break down how Get Out blends psychological terror, social commentary, and straight-up soul-snatching fear into one unforgettable ride. 🎬 We dig into: The making of the film and how it redefined modern horrorThe performances that made you uneasy for all the right reasonsThe symbolism behind the tea, the deer, and that silent screamAnd why this story hits different—then and nowSo pour yourself a drink… maybe skip the tea… and remember: Some doors open easy.But getting out?That’s the real horror. 🎧 Press play… and ... Sink

    1h 5m
  5. The Legend of Black Charley - Fred Williamson in The first Black Western! Blaxploitation, Black Deth 101 Podcast

    MAR 25

    The Legend of Black Charley - Fred Williamson in The first Black Western! Blaxploitation, Black Deth 101 Podcast

    🎙️ Black Deth 101 – Legend of Black Charley (1972) Slide on in, cool cats… this episode we ride into the dusty, dangerous frontier with Fred Williamson as Black Charley — a man born into chains who breaks free and writes his own legend in blood, grit, and fire. From the ashes of slavery to the edge of outlaw justice, Legend of Black Charley flips the Western on its head and loads it with raw 1970s attitude. Alongside his brothers-in-arms Joshua and Toby, Charley runs, fights, and survives in a world built to crush him. 🔥 In this episode: America in the early 1970s — why Black Westerns hit differentFred Williamson’s rise as a Blaxploitation iconFrom Africa to Slavery to Legend!Themes of freedom, revenge, and survivalWhat the film gets right — and what it leaves behindD'Urville Martin became the voice of reason in Fred Williamson's movies🎬 We also break down: Key scenes and standout performancesCultural context you might’ve missedInspiration for Blazing SaddlesThis ain’t your typical Western, baby… this is outlaw justice with a revolutionary soul. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube💬 Got a film you want us to cover? Drop it in the comments and ride with us #BlackDeth101 #Blaxploitation #FredWilliamson #BlackWestern #70sCinema #CultFilm #MoviePodcast #OutlawJustice

    47 min
  6. Lady Sings the Blues Vs. Billie Holiday’s Real Story, classic 1972 movie,

    MAR 13

    Lady Sings the Blues Vs. Billie Holiday’s Real Story, classic 1972 movie,

    In this episode of Black Deth 101, Nubius Black and Johnny Deth dis into Lady Sings the Blues (1972), the landmark film that brought Billie Holiday’s life to the screen and launched Diana Ross as a movie star. We had trouble with this one, neither of us liked it as much as we remembered. Released at a time when Hollywood was learning how to tell Black stories to mainstream audiences, Lady Sings the Blues became a major cultural moment — earning five Academy Award nominations and producing Motown’s fastest-selling album up to that time. But the film also raises questions. How much of Billie Holiday’s real story made it to the screen… and how much was softened for Hollywood prestige? Nubius and Johnny explore the movie’s history, its powerful performances, the real-life events behind the story, and the surprising things the film leaves out. • America in 1972 and the Hollywood climate that produced the film• Diana Ross’s first feature film role and Oscar nomination• Suzanne de Passe becoming the first Black woman nominated for a Best Original Screenplay Academy Award• The real story behind the film’s opening narcotics arrest — and why it didn’t happen• How Richard Pryor turned a one-day role into a scene-stealing performance• Why Billy Dee Williams got the role of Louis McKay after Levi Stubbs declined it• Berry Gordy taking over the film when it went over budget• Motown’s fastest-selling album and the film’s huge commercial success• Billie Holiday’s Cabaret Card and the legal system that limited her career• The real musicians missing from the film — including John Hammond, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington All this and a Nubius rant about Timothee Chalemet!

    42 min
  7. Sinners; Ryan Coogler's Classic of Black Film Blaxploitation 101

    FEB 25

    Sinners; Ryan Coogler's Classic of Black Film Blaxploitation 101

    Slie on in... In this episode of the Black Death 101 podcast, hosts Nubius Black and Johnny Deth delve into the themes of the film 'Sinners,' exploring its commentary on race relations, spirituality, and the struggles of the African American community during the Jim Crow era. They discuss the dichotomy of good and evil, the role of music as a form of survival, and the cultural implications of the vampire element in the story. The conversation highlights the film's artistic achievements and its potential impact on the genre, culminating in a reflection on the future of Blaxploitation films. Takeaways The film 'Sinners' serves as a reflection of contemporary race relations. Music is portrayed as a powerful tool for survival and expression. The dichotomy of good and evil is a central theme in the film. The struggles of sharecroppers are depicted as a parallel to modern issues. The character dynamics between Smoke and Stack represent different survival philosophies. The vampire element symbolizes cultural assimilation and identity loss. The film's production design highlights the stark contrasts in society. The emotional depth of the characters resonates with personal experiences of the hosts. The film's score plays a crucial role in conveying its themes. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding historical context in film analysis.

    1h 1m
  8. Welcome Home Brother Charles aka Soul Vengeance -Blaxploitation Black Film UCLA Film School 1970s Movies, 1975

    FEB 14

    Welcome Home Brother Charles aka Soul Vengeance -Blaxploitation Black Film UCLA Film School 1970s Movies, 1975

    Summary In this episode of theBlaxploitation, Black Deth 101 podcast, hosts Nubius Black and Johnny Deth delve into the world of black exploitation films, focusing on the film 'Welcome Home, Brother Charles.' They explore the social context of the 1970s, character development, themes of revenge, and the unique filmmaking techniques used in the movie. The discussion also touches on cultural commentary regarding black male sexuality and the legacy of the film in contemporary cinema. Through humor and critical analysis, the hosts provide insights into the film's impact and significance.

    49 min
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About

Black Deth Blaxploitation 101 A bold, funky, history-deep Blaxploitation show blending film-school analysis with streetwise swagger— Nubius Black & Johnny Deth break it down like nobody else. Step into the funk-soaked world of Blaxploitation cinema. Johnny Deth and Nubious Black—two unapologetic voices breaking down the boldest, Blackest, baddest films of the '70s and beyond. From Shaft to Super Fly, from Curtis Mayfield grooves to Isaac Hayes' cinematic revolution, this podcast goes deep into the stories, sounds, and soul of a genre that changed everything. Raw, funny, fearless—and always funky.

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