24 Carat Black was a pioneering soul and funk collective formed in the early 1970s under the direction of producer Dale Warren. Signed to Stax Records, the group became known for their ambitious 1973 concept album *Ghetto: Misfortune’s Wealth*, a richly orchestrated exploration of urban struggle and perseverance. Although their music received limited recognition at the time, 24 Carat Black’s distinctive blend of socially conscious lyricism, lush arrangements, and deep grooves later became highly influential—sampled by hip-hop artists such as Nas, Jay-Z, and Kendrick Lamar, securing their lasting legacy in modern music.