Our Generation (The Hope of the World)

Album: Wake Up! (2010)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is a track from Wake Up!, a collaborative album between R&B musician John Legend and Hip-Hop band The Roots. Inspired by the 2008 United States presidential election, Legend and The Roots primarily covered 1960s and 1970s soul music songs for the record.
  • This song was originally recorded by Mississippi singer/guitarist Ernie Hines. Though obscure, fans might recognize it from a famous Hip-Hop sample used on "Straighten It Out" by Pete Rock & C.L.Smooth. Roots drummer ?uestlove told MTV News: "People might not know 'Our Generation,' but there's definitely people in their mid-30s that know Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth 'Straighten It Out.' And it will also hit people that knew the original 'Our Generation,' that are now 50 years old."
  • C.L. Smooth is a featured rapper on this track.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Experience Nirvana with Sub Pop Founder Bruce Pavitt

Experience Nirvana with Sub Pop Founder Bruce PavittSong Writing

The man who ran Nirvana's first label gets beyond the sensationalism (drugs, Courtney) to discuss their musical and cultural triumphs in the years before Nevermind.

Alan Merrill of The Arrows

Alan Merrill of The ArrowsSongwriter Interviews

In her days with The Runaways, Joan Jett saw The Arrows perform "I Love Rock And Roll," which Alan Merrill co-wrote - that story and much more from this glam rock pioneer.

Five Rockers Who Rolled With The Devil

Five Rockers Who Rolled With The DevilSong Writing

Just how much did these monsters of rock dabble in the occult?

Michelle Branch

Michelle BranchSongwriter Interviews

Michelle Branch talks about "Everywhere," "The Game Of Love," and her run-in with a Christian broadcasting network.

Gary LeVox

Gary LeVoxSongwriter Interviews

On "Life Is A Highway," his burgeoning solo career, and the Rascal Flatts song he most connects with.

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.