January 03, 2022

The "Higher Learning" Soundtrack (1995)


Reflecting the mixed musical tastes of the film's university population, the soundtrack to John Singleton's Higher Learning (1995) features a broad sampling of rap, modern folk, indie, and R&B music. The majority of these sides were cut especially for the soundtrack, with standouts including tracks by Ice Cube, Outkast, Me'Shell NdegĂ©Ocello, Liz Phair, and Rage Against the Machine. Some club soul comes courtesy of the Brand New Heavies and Raphael Saadiq of Tony! Toni! TonĂ©! fame, while Eve's Plum adds some power-chord pop, and bassist Stanley Clarke updates his fusion funk sound on the collection's lone instrumental. There's also Tori Amos chipping in with her own "Butterfly" and a cover of R.E.M.'s "Losing My Religion" (While Amos fans are sure to be ecstatic, those a bit weary of the singer's particular brand of melodrama will find no relief). Minor squabbles aside, this is a fine soundtrack. - AllMusic. You can't argue with Raphael Saadiq's "Ask of You" and the overall quality of the film. From Omar Epps to Lawrence Fishburne to Tyra Banks; Ice Cube, Busta Rhymes and the performance of Michael Rapaport... all stellar in '95. When is the last time you revisited this film? Go back, and also check out the soundtrack which was released on this day in 1995. Unfortunately the OST isn't streaming on Spotify, but I trust you can dig it up easily enough...