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Street Player
Street Player
from Wikipedia

Street Player
Studio album by
ReleasedJanuary 17, 1978
Recorded1977
StudioDawnbreaker (San Fernando)
Genre
Length40:32
LabelABC
AA 1049
ProducerRufus, Roy Halee
Rufus chronology
Ask Rufus
(with Chaka Khan)

(1977)
Street Player
(with Chaka Khan)

(1978)
Numbers
(1979)
Chaka Khan chronology
Ask Rufus
(with Rufus)

(1977)
Street Player
(with Rufus)

(1978)
Chaka
(1978)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusicStarStarHalf star[1]
Record MirrorStarStarStarStar[4]
Rolling Stone(not rated)[2]
The Rolling Stone Album GuideStarStarStar[3]

Street Player is the sixth studio album by funk band Rufus (and their fourth album featuring singer Chaka Khan), released on the ABC Records label in 1978. Street Player was the band's third album to top Billboard's R&B Albums chart and also reached number 14 on Pop. The album includes the singles "Stay" (US R&B number 3, US Pop number 38) and "Blue Love" (US R&B number 34).

History

[edit]

In 1978, Rufus and Chaka Khan were a top-selling band. Their last four releases had gone platinum and the group continued to sell out in arenas as a headlining act with fiery Khan leading the way. By this point, Khan's stardom outside the group had grown and it led to the group drifting apart. While Khan opted to stay a member of the group, other members were uncomfortable that Khan was now offered solo contracts.

After the release of this record, Khan would sign a solo deal with Warner Bros. Records releasing her debut album, featuring the hit "I'm Every Woman". While Khan went on to a solo career, Rufus cut Numbers, in 1979, without her. Khan, however, didn't leave the group, returning for their Quincy Jones-produced Masterjam later that same year.

Also after the departure of original drummer Andre Fischer, Richard "Moon" Calhoun took over on this album on drums. This would be his only album with the group. Additionally, the jazz/rock band Chicago featured a version of the title track on their 1979 album Chicago 13, with Peter Cetera on lead vocals. The song was co-written by Chicago's drummer at that time, Danny Seraphine. The track "Stay" was covered by Erykah Badu on her 1997 album Live.

Track listing

[edit]
Side one
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Street Player"David Wolinski, Daniel Seraphine4:54
2."Stay"Richard Calhoun, Chaka Khan5:41
3."Turn"Bobby Watson, Wolinski4:43
4."Best of Your Heart"Watson, Wolinski3:45
5."Finale" (Instrumental)Watson, Wolinski2:10
Side two
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
6."Blue Love"Calhoun, Wolinski3:18
7."Stranger to Love"Wolinski3:33
8."Take Time" (Instrumental)Tony Maiden4:16
9."Destiny"David Batteau, Richard Holland4:25
10."Change Your Ways"Maiden, Traude Sapik3:27

The listing of tracks on the back of the album as distributed in Canada (GRT of Canada Ltd.) is in the following order:

  • Destiny
  • Stranger To Love
  • Street Player
  • Stay
  • Best Of Your Heart
  • Finale
  • Take Time
  • Blue Love
  • Turn
  • Change Your Ways

The listing on the album labels (sides 1 & 2) is as on the main listing.[5]

Personnel

[edit]
  • Chaka Khan – lead vocals, background vocals
  • Tony Maiden – guitar, percussion, lead vocals, background vocals
  • Kevin Murphy – keyboards
  • Bobby Watson – bass, percussion
  • David "Hawk" Wolinski – keyboards, background vocals
  • Richard "Moon" Calhoun – drums, percussion, background vocals
  • Jerry Hey – trumpet, flugelhorn
  • Larry Williams – saxophone, flute, piccolo
  • Kim Hutchcroft – saxophone, flute
  • Bill Reichenbach Jr. – trombone
  • Helen Lowe – additional background vocals
  • Everett Bryson, Jr. – percussion

Production

[edit]
  • Rufus, Roy Halee – producers
  • Roy Halee, George Belle – engineers
  • Clare Fischer – string arrangements & conductor
  • Seawind, Rufus – horn arrangements
  • Brian Gardner – audio mastering

Charts

[edit]

Album

Chart (1978) Peak
[6]
U.S. Billboard Top LPs 14
U.S. Billboard Top Soul LPs 1

Singles

Year Single Peak chart positions
US
[6]
US
R&B

[6]
1978 "Stay" 38 3
"Blue Love" 105 34

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[7] Gold 500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Street Player (Arabic: al-Ḥarīf, also known as The Street Player) is a 1983 Egyptian film directed by Mohamed Khan. The film stars in the lead role as Fares, a shoe factory worker whose primary passion is playing street football in his impoverished neighborhood. It explores Fares's struggles with self-discipline, including conflicts with his estranged , financial woes from on matches, and broader societal pressures that threaten his family and livelihood. Selected for the main competition at the 13th , the film highlights Khan's signature neo-realist approach, using natural locations and non-professional elements to depict everyday life in urban . Regarded as one of Khan's most acclaimed works, Street Player critiques the erosion of the and the rise of in 1980s , themes central to his exploration of social and political conflicts. It was included in the Dubai International Film Festival's 2013 list of the 100 Greatest Arab Films of All Time, underscoring its enduring influence in . Khan, a pioneer of Egyptian neo-realism alongside directors like Khairy Beshara, drew from his own observations of Cairo's underclass to craft character-driven narratives that expose issues like gender oppression and institutional decay. In Street Player, Emam's portrayal of the flawed yet relatable Fares combines humor and pathos to humanize the struggles of ordinary Egyptians amid economic transition. The film's blend of sports drama and social commentary has made it a touchstone for understanding Khan's commitment to authentic storytelling over commercial spectacle.

Background

Rufus's career up to 1977

Rufus was formed in 1970 in Chicago as a funk-rock band by former members of the 1960s pop-rock group The American Breed, which had disbanded that year after hits like "Bend Me, Shape Me." The initial lineup included keyboardist Kevin Murphy, guitarist Al Ciner, bassist Dennis Belfield, drummer Andre Fischer, and vocalist Paulette McWilliams, with the group initially operating under names like Smoke before adopting Ask Rufus and eventually Rufus. Early efforts focused on a rock-oriented sound, but the band signed with ABC Records in 1972 and released their self-titled debut album in 1973, which introduced a blend of funk and soul elements. Significant lineup changes occurred in 1973 when McWilliams departed and recommended 20-year-old singer (born Yvette Marie Stevens) as her replacement; Khan joined alongside keyboardist and vocalist Ron Stockert, shifting the band's dynamic toward a more prominent female-led vocal style. This addition propelled Rufus toward a -disco sound, emphasizing Khan's powerful, versatile voice over tight horn sections and rhythmic grooves influenced by Chicago's vibrant R&B scene. The revised lineup—Khan, , Ciner, Belfield, , and Stockert—solidified the band's identity as a top ensemble. With Khan, Rufus achieved commercial breakthrough on their next albums. The 1974 release Rags to Rufus earned platinum certification from the RIAA for over one million units sold, driven by the Stevie Wonder-penned hit "Tell Me Something Good," which reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Later that year, Rufusized followed, certified gold by the RIAA, and peaked at number seven on the Billboard 200 with singles like "Once You Get Started," which peaked at number four on the R&B chart. By 1977, Ask Rufus also attained platinum status from the RIAA on April 13, topping the R&B albums chart for three weeks and featuring the number-one R&B single "At Midnight (My Love Will Lift You Up)." These successes marked Rufus's rise as a leading R&B act, with four achieving gold or platinum certifications by 1977, establishing their commercial viability through ten top-40 pop hits and consistent chart dominance in and genres.

Album development and band tensions

Following the commercial breakthrough of their 1977 album Ask Rufus, which topped the R&B chart and sold over one million copies, Rufus decided to produce their sixth studio , Street Player, capitalizing on their status as one of the era's leading acts. As development began in late 1977, internal tensions escalated within the band, primarily stemming from Chaka Khan's growing solo ambitions, which created friction among members and strained group dynamics. Khan's rising stardom, highlighted by her prominent role in Rufus's hits, fueled these conflicts, culminating in her signing a solo recording contract with Warner Bros. Records shortly after Street Player's release in December 1978. Compounding these issues, underwent a key personnel change during pre-production when longtime drummer André Fischer departed amid personal and professional disagreements, particularly with Khan and her husband. He was replaced by Richard "Moon" Calhoun, formerly of , who brought a fresh rhythmic approach to the project and appeared on Street Player as his only album with . Songwriting for the album drew heavily from band members, with keyboardist David "Hawk" Wolinski and guitarist Tony Maiden providing key contributions that built on Rufus's evolving fusion of funk and disco elements seen in prior releases. Wolinski co-wrote the title track "Street Player" with Chicago drummer Danny Seraphine, infusing it with disco grooves, while Maiden penned "Take Time," showcasing his guitar-driven style and vocal leads. These efforts reflected the band's intent to maintain their signature sound while adapting to the burgeoning disco trend.

Recording and production

Studio sessions and locations

The recording sessions for Street Player took place in 1977 at Dawnbreaker Recording Studios in . This location provided a professional environment conducive to the band's evolving sound, allowing for focused tracking amid their transitional phase. The sessions primarily occurred in late 1977, emphasizing the capture of the band's live energy through rhythmic interplay and dynamic performances. Drummer Richard "Moon" Calhoun, newly recruited from to replace André Fischer, contributed to this vitality by integrating his percussive style, which added depth to tracks like "Stay" where he co-wrote and provided backing vocals. Key techniques during the sessions highlighted layered horn sections arranged by and members, alongside Chaka Khan's emotive lead vocals that were tracked to preserve their improvisational flair. Overdubs featured strings arranged and conducted by , which enriched the album's textural layers and supported Khan's delivery on several cuts. These elements were pursued despite underlying band tensions that occasionally influenced the session atmosphere.

Production team and techniques

The production of Street Player was overseen by the band alongside co-producer , a veteran engineer and producer celebrated for his innovative work on Simon & Garfunkel's albums such as . Halee's involvement brought a meticulous approach to capturing the band's evolving sound, emphasizing clarity and depth in the mix. Engineering for the album was managed by and George Belle, who focused on layering the band's performances to highlight rhythmic precision and instrumental interplay. The final mastering was completed by Brian Gardner at Allen Zentz Mastering, resulting in a vibrant, high-fidelity presentation suited to the era's R&B standards. Key techniques included the prominent use of synthesized keyboards by member Wolinski, which infused electronic textures into the funk grooves and disco-inflected tracks, enhancing the album's modern edge. Released under , the project leveraged label support for elaborate arrangements, such as Clare Fischer's sweeping string orchestrations, to achieve a grand, polished aesthetic.

Music and songwriting

Genre influences and style

Street Player represents a pivotal evolution in Rufus's sound, blending , R&B, and with prominent and elements, marking a departure from the band's earlier rock-leaning influences toward a more groove-oriented style suited to the late landscape. The album's core is built on Rufus's signature horn sections, which infuse textures into funky rhythms and grooves, creating a sophisticated yet accessible sound that echoes the era's fusion of urban and dance styles. Influenced by the surging disco wave of the late 1970s, Street Player incorporates polished, rhythmic grooves reminiscent of acts like , with whom the band shared stylistic affinities through shared songwriting collaborators and horn-driven arrangements. This shift is evident in the album's lighter, more relaxed pulse compared to Rufus's prior works, prioritizing smooth transitions between basslines and expansive keyboard layers over aggressive rock edges. Key to the album's style are the prominent bass lines provided by Bobby Watson, which anchor the soulful grooves and extended instrumental sections, complemented by synthesizer-enhanced keyboards from Kevin Murphy and David "Hawk" Wolinski that add a modern, layered depth to the horns. Tracks like the title song feature these elements in a 4:54 jam that balances dance-floor energy with improvisational flair. Structurally, the album comprises 10 tracks averaging 4 to 5 minutes each, totaling around 40 minutes, allowing for concise radio-friendly cuts while accommodating the band's penchant for , extended interplay suitable for both listening and club play. This format underscores Rufus's adaptation to disco's demands without sacrificing their and roots.

Lyrics, themes, and composition

The lyrics of Street Player explore dominant themes of urban life, , and , capturing the raw energy and struggles of city existence alongside personal and relational dynamics. In the title track, "Street Player," the depicts the resilience of street hustlers navigating hardship and aspiring for better fortunes, with lines evoking "nameless years" filled with "trouble... in the air" and a drive to escape despair through determination and . This theme of urban perseverance extends across the , blending gritty realism with hopeful escapism, as seen in tracks that contrast daily turmoil with moments of emotional release. Songwriting credits reflect the band's collaborative spirit, with external and internal contributors shaping the album's emotional core. The title track was composed by David "Hawk" Wolinski and , infusing it with a arc from street-level survival to triumphant playfulness. Similarly, "Stay" was written by and Richard "Moon" Calhoun, emphasizing pleas for enduring love amid uncertainty, while "Blue Love" by Wolinski and Calhoun delves into the vulnerabilities of romantic bonds. These credits highlight a mix of band members' input and outside talents, fostering diverse lyrical perspectives on and connection. Chaka Khan's vocal delivery adds profound emotional layers, her soulful and improvisational style—marked by sultry control and serene phrasing—elevating themes of relationships and throughout. In "Blue Love," her nuanced phrasing conveys the melancholy and intimacy of fractured affections, turning personal narratives into universally resonant expressions. This approach infuses tracks with improvisational flair, allowing her voice to weave through themes of love's complexities and self-assertion, as in her ad-libbed responses that heighten emotional depth. Notable compositional elements, such as call-and-response vocals and expansive bridge structures, enhance the anthems' narrative drive and communal feel. These techniques, evident in layered backing vocals and dynamic shifts, reinforce the album's themes by mirroring urban dialogue and escapist release, creating a sense of resilience and intimacy. The overall fusion of and elements underscores this lyrical framework, providing a rhythmic backdrop that amplifies the stories of struggle and uplift.

Release and promotion

Album launch and artwork

Street Player was officially released on January 17, 1978, by in the United States. International releases followed throughout 1978, including versions for the , , , , and other markets, often with localized catalog numbers but consistent artwork and tracklisting. The album's cover artwork, photographed by Norman Seeff, presents a lighthearted, mannequin-centric composition that captures urban street scenes with basketball elements, symbolizing the title track's narrative of a street player and aligning with 1970s funk visuals. Art direction was handled by Glen Christensen, emphasizing a playful yet thematic aesthetic to appeal to the band's funk and soul audience. Initially distributed as a vinyl LP in a format, the included printed and inner credits, enhancing the collector for fans. Additional formats at launch encompassed 8-track cartridges and cassettes, targeted at diverse playback preferences in retail outlets. The album saw CD reissues starting in the 1990s, with handling a 1994 edition that preserved the original artwork, followed by a 2018 Japanese reissue as part of Universal's series. ABC Records supported the launch with a promotional push, leveraging the band's prior multi-platinum successes to secure radio and prominent retail placement. This strategy positioned Street Player as a continuation of Rufus's commercial momentum in the and markets.

Singles and marketing efforts

The lead single from Street Player, "Stay", was released in early and became a moderate hit, peaking at number 38 on the and number 3 on the Hot Soul Singles chart. Written by and Richard “Moon” Calhoun, the ballad showcased Khan's vocal range and helped build anticipation for the album. The follow-up single, "Blue Love", arrived later in 1978 and achieved lesser commercial success, reaching number 105 on the Pop chart and number 34 on the R&B chart. Despite its mid-tempo arrangement, it underscored the album's blend of and influences during a period when Khan's star power was central to 's appeal. efforts for the singles and album emphasized Khan's through targeted promotions, including extensive radio tours across the U.S., and advertisements in Black-oriented publications such as Ebony and Jet. These strategies positioned as a leading act in the funk-soul scene, leveraging Khan's growing solo profile to drive interest. Promotional releases varied by region; for instance, the Canadian edition of Street Player featured an altered track order that influenced single sequencing and regional radio play.

Commercial performance

Chart positions

Street Player achieved notable success on the charts in 1978, peaking at number 14 on the (then known as Top LPs & Tape) and reaching number 1 on the Top Soul LPs chart, where it held the top position for several weeks. The album's lead single "Stay" performed strongly on R&B charts, peaking at number 3 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart and number 38 on the Billboard Hot 100, while follow-up single "Blue Love" reached number 34 on the Hot Soul Singles chart and bubbled under the Hot 100 at number 105; no other singles from the album charted significantly.
Chart (1978)Peak
position
US 14
US 1
SingleChart (1978)Peak
position
"Stay"US 38
"Stay"US 3
"Blue Love"US 34
"Blue Love"US 105
International charting data for the album is limited, though it benefited from strong R&B in the United States during the peak of the disco era, when it competed with dominant acts such as the and .

Sales and certifications

Street Player achieved notable commercial success, particularly , where it was certified by the RIAA on February 24, 1978, for shipments exceeding 500,000 units. This , reported through , underscored the album's strong appeal within the R&B and markets, though it did not attain status, which requires 1,000,000 units and would have indicated broader pop crossover success. The lack of additional international certifications highlights its primary strength in the U.S. market during the late 1970s disco-funk era. In the years following its release, Street Player maintained steady catalog sales, supported by reissues such as the 1994 CD edition, which helped sustain its availability and contribute to ongoing revenue in the period. These later editions, including digital remasters in the and , have kept the album accessible to new generations of listeners.

Reception

Initial critical response

Upon its 1983 release, Street Player (al-Ḥarīf) received widespread critical acclaim in and internationally for its neo-realist portrayal of urban life and Adel Emam's nuanced performance. Selected for the main competition at , the film was praised for its authentic depiction of social struggles in Cairo's working-class neighborhoods. At the 1983 , it earned Mohamed Khan critical recognition as a standout debut in independent Egyptian cinema, with reviewers highlighting its blend of sports drama and on , family, and corruption. Egyptian critics lauded the film's use of natural locations and non-professional to capture the erosion of the under economic pressures, though some noted its somber tone as challenging for mainstream audiences. Overall, the initial consensus positioned Street Player as a pivotal work in Khan's oeuvre, earning nominations including a Golden Prize at the Nantes Three Continents Festival.

Retrospective assessments

Retrospective assessments view Street Player as a cornerstone of Egyptian neo-realism and one of Mohamed Khan's most influential films, emphasizing its enduring relevance to themes of social inequality and personal failure. In 2013, it was included in the Dubai International Film Festival's list of the 100 Greatest Arab Films of All Time (ranked #87), underscoring its lasting impact on Arab cinema. Modern platforms reflect strong reevaluation, with IMDb users rating it 7.6/10 (based on approximately 1,950 votes as of 2023) and Letterboxd averaging 4.1/5 (from over 5,000 ratings as of 2023), praising Emam's portrayal of Fares as a flawed everyman and the film's humanistic critique of 1980s Egypt. Critics in the 2010s and 2020s, including obituaries following Khan's 2016 death, hailed it as a touchstone for understanding institutional decay and gender dynamics, though some retrospective analyses critique its limited focus on female characters amid broader societal issues. The film's legacy is further affirmed by its frequent inclusion in discussions of Khan's character-driven narratives, bridging raw realism with accessible drama.

Legacy

Cover versions and samples

The title track "Street Player," written by Rufus drummer Danny Seraphine and keyboardist David Wolinski, was notably covered by the rock band on their 1979 album , where it was reinterpreted with a disco-inflected featuring lead vocals by . Released as a single in December 1979, 's version peaked at number 91 on the Hot R&B Singles chart. This cover brought the song to a broader pop-rock audience, highlighting the adaptability of Rufus's original composition. Another prominent cover from the album came from the track "Stay," which and delivered as a soulful . Neo-soul artist included a live rendition on her 1997 debut album Live, transforming it into a stripped-down, improvisational performance that infused the song with and elements during her set at the 1997 BET Planet Groove awards. Badu's version emphasized vocal intimacy and extended scatting, showcasing the enduring appeal of the track's emotional core. "Street Player" has also influenced subsequent genres through sampling, particularly in hip-hop and house music. In hip-hop, elements from "Stay" were interpolated in 8Ball & MJG's 1993 Southern rap single "Comin' Out Hard" from their debut album Comin' Out Hard, adding a gritty edge to the Memphis duo's storytelling. Other hip-hop uses include NYG'z feat. Blaq Poet's 2007 track "N.H.B. (Street)," which drew from "Stay"'s rhythmic groove. In 1990s house music, Italian producer Cricco Castelli sampled the original in his 1997 house track "Street Player," while French DJ Bob Sinclar incorporated elements into "Save Our Soul (Original Version)" in 2007, bridging the funk roots to electronic dance floors. These samples underscore the album's rhythmic foundation in enabling cross-genre adaptations. Covers of other Street Player tracks remain limited, with additional renditions including The Baker Brothers feat. Talc's take on "Street Player" and & Friends' rock-infused version, often performed in tribute contexts by alumni or affiliated musicians.

Cultural impact and enduring influence

Street Player represented a pivotal moment in 's discography, serving as the final collaborative album with before her solo debut Chaka in November 1978, effectively signaling the temporary end of the band's classic lineup configuration and facilitating Khan's transition to a prominent solo artist. This shift underscored the growing individual prominence of Khan within the group, influencing her subsequent career trajectory marked by hits like "." The album contributed to the late-1970s evolution of funk and R&B by incorporating disco influences alongside traditional funk grooves and jazz elements, reflecting the broader transition in Black music during the disco era. Rufus's fusion of these styles on Street Player exemplified the genre's adaptability, as noted in discussions of the band's role in expanding funk's sonic palette amid changing popular music landscapes. Despite its commercial success, Street Player has been somewhat overshadowed by earlier Rufus releases like Rufusized and Ask Rufus, often viewed as a transitional work rather than a peak achievement. However, its persists through inclusion in Rufus anthologies and recognition in retrospective analyses, with artists such as praising its artistic depth. The album's tracks have experienced renewed visibility via digital streaming platforms in the and , introducing its sound to new generations.

Credits

Track listing

The original U.S. vinyl release of Street Player features ten tracks across two sides, with songwriting credits and durations as follows.
Side(s)Duration
One"Street Player"Seraphine, Wolinski4:54
One"Stay"Calhoun, Khan5:41
One"Turn"Watson, Wolinski4:43
One"Best of Your Heart"Watson, Wolinski3:45
One"Finale" ()Watson, Wolinski2:10
Two"Blue Love"Calhoun, Wolinski3:18
Two"Stranger to Love"Wolinski3:33
Two"Take Time" ()Maiden4:16
Two"Destiny"Batteau, 4:25
Two"Change Your Ways"Maiden, Sapik3:27

Personnel

The core lineup of Rufus for the album Street Player consisted of on lead and background vocals, Tony Maiden on guitar, percussion, lead and background vocals, Kevin Murphy on keyboards, Bobby Watson on bass and percussion, David "Hawk" Wolinski on keyboards and background vocals, and Richard "Moon" Calhoun on drums and percussion, who had recently joined the band as their new . Additional musicians included Helen Lowe on backing vocals, the Seawind Horns—comprising on and , Kim Hutchcroft on and flute, on and flute, and on trombone—for horn arrangements alongside the band, and , who arranged and conducted the strings. Everett Bryson, Jr. contributed percussion. The production team was led by and as co-producers, with engineering handled by and George Belle as recording engineer. Mastering was performed by Brian Gardner at Allen Zentz Mastering in .

References

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