'' Family Affair '' was the lead single from the band 's long - awaited fifth album ; '' There 's a Riot Goin ' On '' , debuted at number - one on the '' Billboard '' album charts upon its November 1971 release .
'' Family Affair '' was the lead single from the band 's long - awaited '' There 's a Riot Goin ' On '' . 
 The album debuted at number - one on the '' Billboard '' album charts upon its November 1971 release .