Editor’s Note: The Albumism staff has selected what we believe to be the 100 Greatest Soundtracks of All Time, representing a varied cross-section of films and musical genres. Click “Next Soundtrack” below to explore each soundtrack in the list or for easier navigation, view the full introduction & soundtrack index here.
Slam
Epic (1998)
Selected by Daryl McIntosh
In 1998, filmmaker Marc Levin along with writer Bonz Malone independently created a film which told the story of how a natural gift like poetry can be muted in a rough environment like Southeast, Washington D.C. The film stars poet sensation Saul Williams who made several notable appearances on the soundtrack including “Sha-Clack-Clack” which is also performed in the film. The soundtrack also notably features one of the earliest records by revolutionary rap group Dead Prez in “D.O.P.E (Drugs Oppress People Everyday),” as well as Black Rob’s “I Dare You” which fittingly depicted the solemnness of Southeast D.C. in the late ‘90s. Local talent DJ Spooky also added the instrumental “Galactic Funk” to add authenticity to the LP.
