[youtube id=”xKISdd2mKzU”] Labi Siffre started his career in the ’60’s playing guitar at Annie Ross’s jazz club in his native London. In 1970, he released his self-titled solo album but the 1971 single “It Must Be Love” was the hit that gave him his first notice.  “I Got The” comes from his 1975 album, Remember My Song. The pulse of the song revealed itself in the ’90’s when it became a popular sample for rappers Jay-Z and Eminem. Siffre initially denied Dr. Dre permission to use the song because of misogynistic lyrics and homophobia.  The lyrics were changed on the single and album version of Eminem’s  “My Name Is” but they were able to use their original lyrics on different versions of the song. Siffre, who is an out gay man, has always been open about his politics and sexuality. His 1987 single “(Something Inside) So Strong” about South African apartheid was a huge hit in the United Kingdom. Siffre has recorded 11 albums, published three books of poetry, one book of essays and one play. He currently shares his ideas and poetry on his official site and Twitter.
