The musical contains some material also on three of Van Peebles' albums, Brer Soul, Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death and As Serious as a Heart-Attack,[1] some of which were yet to come out.

The innovative piece, presented in a confrontational, "in your face" style, is a precursor to choreopoem, spoken word, and rap music.

[4] After ten previews, the Off-Broadway production, directed by Gilbert Moses, opened on October 20, 1971, at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, then transferred to the Ambassador, for a total run of 325 performances.

In 2004, Classical Theatre of Harlem staged a revival directed by Alfred Preisser, choreographed by Bruce Heath, and featuring Ralph Carter.

The characters include a blind beggar, a Malcolm X lieutenant, a pimp, prostitutes, a drag queen, a lesbian, looters, lovers, junkies, a wino, a bag lady, corrupt cops, a disgruntled postal worker, sweatshop workers, and a death row prisoner.