A genre of early-70s action film, with black protagonists. We remember Shaft or Superfly, but forget the lame sequels and imitative, B-movie crap that followed in their wake. The atmosphere (noir + Technicolor + urban decay) seeped its way into some TV detective shows of the day; some soundtracks, by people like Curtis Mayfield and Isaac Hayes, have survived the era. Do yourself a favor: rent Cotton Comes to Harlem or Cooley High instead.