Super Soundtrack: “Colin in Black & White” on Netflix

From Colin Kaepernick and Ava DuVernay comes Netflix’s newest limited series, Colin in Black & White, now streaming. Starring Jaden Michael as Young Colin and Nick Offerman and Mary-Louise Parker as his parents Rick and Teresa, the series features Present Day Colin Kaepernick recounting his own coming-of-age story while relating his personal experiences to race, society, and culture.

It’s surprisingly provocative, emotional, and engaging almost to the point that you forget this is actually someone’s life story and not just a well written show (which it certainly is).  Coming in at a tidy six episodes with each around a half-hour long, most of you will probably consume this as if it were a three-hour film. In whatever context, the series analyzes the systemic struggle that has too long institutionalized Black people in society, education, and sports.

What makes it even more heartbreaking to watch is that it’s utterly realistic, and we’re dealing with a young boy that’s only about fifteen years old. Don’t forget that Young Colin is more than a character; he’s a real person! He’s Colin Kaepernick. Whatever your stance may be on him, the biopic feels important, and the discussions it brings up are so essential, especially (and sadly) today.

With great talent behind the camera and onscreen, it wouldn’t be right for this not to have a stellar soundtrack of songs. And that it does. Let’s break it down…

Episode 1: “Cornrows”

“DNA.” By Kendrick Lamar

Heard while Present Day Colin explains the combine process

“Lean Back” by Terror Squad ft. Fat Joe & Remy

Heard when we see Young Colin for the first time

“Work It” by Missy Elliott

Heard while Young Colin is seen riding his bike on his way to get his hair done

“Grains” by Bonobo

Heard while Present Day Colin breaks down the politics and social implications of Black hairstyles

“I Am Not My Hair (Konvict Remix)” by India.Arie ft. Akon

Heard while Young Colin starts feeling insecure about his braids

“They Want Efx” by Das EFX

Heard when Young Colin and his mom walk into Urban Exchange

“Give It Up Or Turnit A Loose” by James Brown

Heard during a flashback sequence showing young boy listening to James Brown

“I Know You Got Soul” by Eric B. & Rakim

Heard while Present Day Colin is talking about the evolution of hip-hop to include “marigold” mixing

“Cot Damn” by Clipse ft. Ab-Liva & Rosco P. Coldchain

Heard when Young Colin gains a newfound confidence with his fresh hair

“Park Bench People” by Freestyle Fellowship

Heard while Young Colin and his mom are on the way to get his braids redone

“Area Codes” by Ludacris ft. Nate Dogg

Heard in the background while the music video plays on the TV

Episode 2: “Quarterbackin’”

“‘Out of Business’ Album Intro” by EPMD

Heard during a montage of Young Colin playing football

“How It’s Done” by Paul Horowitz & Todd Taylor

Heard while Young Colin arrives to training at the quarterback academy

“Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes

Heard during football practice

Episode 3: “Road Trip”

“I Stand Redeemed” by Aaron Rice & Cooper Van Bascom

Heard multiple times while Colin’s dad is driving

“Tell Me When To Go” by E-40 ft. Keak Da Sneak

Heard while the group of boys were playing together at the hotel

“Ultra Black” by Nas ft. Hit-Boy

Heard playing over the end credits

Episode 4: “The Decision”

“If It Don’t Feel Right” by Josef James & Waylon Jefferson James

Heard while Young Colin is coughing while getting off the bus

“Lights, Camera, Action!” by Mr. Cheeks

Heard while Young Colin is at a photoshoot

“I Just Want The Green” by Win Can’t Lose

Heard while Young Colin is talking to his friends

“Astronaut in the Ocean” by Masked Wolf

Heard playing over the end credits

Episode 5: “Crystal”

“Vogue” by Madonna

Heard while Present Day Colin talks while a fashion show is seen taking place

“Suga Suga” by Baby Bash

Heard when Young Colin sets his sights on a girl

“So Fresh, So Clean” by Outkast

Heard while Young Colin is fixing himself up in the mirror and rehearsing pickup lines

“All Night Thing” by Invisible Man’s Band

Heard when Young Colin arrives to his homecoming date’s house

“I’m Sprung” by T-Pain

Heard when Young Colin sees his homecoming date and puts the corset on her wrist

“Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera

Heard playing at the winter formal

“Black” by Buddy ft. A$AP Ferg

Heard while Present Day Colin talks about Black beauty and continues to play over the end credits

Episode 6: “Dear Colin”

“I Am The Champion” by B.O.B

Heard while recruiters are watching Young Colin

“Blow The Whistle” by Too $hort

Heard while Young Colin and his family package up DVDs to send to colleges

“You And Whose Army?” by Radiohead

Heard after Young Colin gets some bad news

“Take It To Da House” by Trick Daddy

Heard during Young Colin’s basketball game

Colin in Black & White is now streaming on Netflix. Stream the limited series here.