Super Fly is the soundtrack to the 1972 film of the same name, written and produced by Curtis Mayfield. It was recorded during the peak of the blaxploitation genre, and Mayfield composed the music to reflect the film's social critique of drug trafficking. The album was a massive success, reaching number 1 on the Billboard 200. It received praise for its cohesive musical narrative.
The sound of 'Super Fly' is a blend of funk, soul, and psychedelia, with iconic songs like 'Pusherman', 'Freddie's Dead', and 'Superfly'. The production is minimalist yet powerful, with prominent bass lines and string arrangements. The lyrics address addiction, violence, and redemption, making it a concept album.
Super Fly is considered one of the greatest soundtrack albums of all time and a landmark in African American film and music. Its influence is immense, inspiring generations of musicians and being sampled in countless hip-hop songs. The album was inducted into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress.