Why You N* Gotta Hate on Me (1977) | Ai for the Culture
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About The Artist:
Born in 1949 and raised in the heart of Harlem, Lou Washington was an impactful figure in more ways than one. Despite being courted by every major label, he never signed a record deal, rejecting the polished, commercialized soul sound of the era. He believed that music was meant to be felt, not manufactured, and he stayed true to that belief by only performing live in Harlem’s most revered clubs—places like Smalls Paradise, the Red Rooster, and the Sugar Shack. His biggest underground hit, “Why You Gotta Hate on Me” (1977), became an anthem for outsiders and hustlers alike. The song, a slow-burning groove with a hypnotic bassline and a deeply personal message, was Lou’s response to industry executives, envious rivals, and anyone who doubted his path. Though it never saw mainstream radio play, bootleg tapes of his performances spread throughout New York, making him a cult figure in the soul and funk underground.
Lou was more than a musician—he was a movement. He kept his integrity intact, never compromising for fame or money, and his refusal to leave Harlem only added to his mystique.
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