Video: Steve Arrington, ‘Make a Difference’

Kevin Bronson on November 19th, 2020

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Steve Arrington (Photo by Kurt Strecker)

Funk warrior Steve Arrington, whose work has been the special sauce in recordings by the likes of Jay-Z, A Tribe Called Quest, Jermaine Dupri, N.W.A and 2Pac, among others, has released an inspirational video for “Make a Difference,” from his new album on Stones Throw Records.

The album, “Down to the Lowest Terms: The Soul Sessions,” affirms the 64-year-old artist’s legacy, which began in his native Dayton, Ohio, and continued with his work in the ’70s/’80s funk band Slave. This sprawling solo work was recorded at Stones Throw’s studios and abetted by a host of the scene’s producers, including Mndsgn, J Rocc, Knxwledge, DJ Harrison and Jerry Paper.

The video, produced and directed by Al Shaw Ki, salutes the trailblazers who fought for racial justice in America and invites a new generation to take up the cause. “Make a Difference” features DJ Harrison on drums, bass and keys and Tennishu playing saxophone and trumpet — and, of course, Arrington’s vocals, soaring and scatting all over the groove.

||| Watch: The video for “Make a Difference”