Vernon Garrett - We People In The Ghetto

Year Released: 1970
Label: Kapp Records
Genre: Deep Funk / Soul / West Coast Groove

Description:
This 1974 Kapp Records release captures Los Angeles soul singer Vernon Garrett in full command of his trademark mix of grit, passion, and groove. While “We People in the Ghetto” delivers a socially conscious message over a taut, mid-tempo funk rhythm, it’s the B-side, “You Blew My Mind,” that has become the real head-turner for DJs and collectors alike.

Built around a deep, syncopated bassline, razor-sharp horns, and hard-hitting drums, “You Blew My Mind” is pure West Coast deep funk perfection — the kind of track that creeps up on the listener, then explodes into a raw, soulful groove that feels equal parts streetwise and elegant. Garrett’s vocal is fiery yet controlled, riding the pocket with the conviction of a man who knows he’s found something special.

Though it never broke into the charts, “You Blew My Mind” has since become a highly prized deep-funk classic, cherished by collectors for its raw energy and rich, analog warmth. It’s a staple on rare-funk DJ playlists and has appeared on several respected compilations, including “Bay Area Funk” and “Funky 16 Corners.” Original Kapp pressings are increasingly hard to come by, often commanding three-figure prices in near mint condition.

With “You Blew My Mind,” Vernon Garrett cemented his reputation as one of the most authentic voices bridging the gap between the Southern soul tradition and the gritty urban funk sound emerging from Los Angeles in the mid-’70s — a record that truly lives up to its name.