Brazilian Music: Funk

Funk carioca, also known as favela funk and, in other parts of the world, simply funk, is a type of dance music from Rio de Janeiro, derived from Miami bass and African music.

Introduction

Funk is a type of Brazilian music that was created in the 1970s. Unlike other types of music from Brazil, funk has a few different sub-genres that have evolved over time. These sub-genres include Carioca funk, Baile funk, and Funk carioca.

Funk first originated in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil among poor and working-class Afro-Brazilians. During the 1970s, electronic instruments were introduced to funk music which helped give it a unique sound. By the 1980s, funk had become extremely popular in Brazil and was often played at parties and clubs.

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in funk music among younger generations in Brazil. This has led to the creation of new sub-genres such as FunkDF and MC funcao.

What is Funk?

Funk is a type of music that originated in African American communities in the United States in the mid-1960s. It is characterized by a groove-oriented style and heavy use of bass, drums, and electric guitar. Funk songs often have a repetitive, driving beat and often include elements of soul, R&B, and hip hop. Funk artists began to gain mainstream popularity in the 1970s with hits like James Brown’s “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine” and Parliament-Funkadelic’s “Flash Light.” In the 1980s and 1990s, funk musicians like George Clinton and Bootsy Collins continued to experiment with the genre, fusing it with other styles like rock, pop, and hip hop. Brazilian funk is a subset of funk that developed in Brazil in the 1970s and 1980s. It is characterized by its heavy use of drum machines, electronic instruments, and synthesizers. Brazilian funk artists often sing in Portuguese and popular Brazilian funk songs often include themes of crime, violence, and poverty. In recent years, Brazilian funk has gained popularity outside of Brazil with the rise of streaming platforms like Spotify.

The History of Funk

The history of funk can be traced back to the late 1960s, when James Brown’s music started to include elements of soul and R&B. Brown’s style became known as “funk” because it was a new, fresh sound that was perfect for dancing. By the 1970s, other artists like Parliament-Funkadelic and Sly and the Family Stone were also creating funk hits.

Funk is a type of African American music that is characterized by a strong bass line and percussion. The lyrics often have positive messages about love and peace, and the music is meant to make people dance. Some of the most famous funk songs include “I Got You (I Feel Good)” by James Brown, “Super Bad” by James Brown, “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” by James Brown, “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-A-Lot, and “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars.

Funk has been influence by other genres of music including jazz, soul, and hip hop. For example, George Clinton’s group Parliament-Funkadelic was influenced by psychedelic rock and they often used electronic instruments in their music. In the 1980s, groups like Zapp and Cameo created a new type of funk called electro-funk which incorporated elements of electronic dance music.

Today, there are many artists who incorporate funk into their music including Outkast, Prince, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Janelle Monáe, Bruno Mars , and Kendrick Lamar .

The Evolution of Funk

The evolution of funk can be traced back to the late 1960s, when James Brown began experimenting with a new sound that would come to be known as “funk.” Brown’s style was based on a combination of soul, R&B, and African rhythms, and it soon caught on with other musicians. Funk would go on to become one of the most popular genres in Brazil, with artists like Os Mutantes, Tim Maia, and Gilberto Gil leading the way.

Funk began to change in the 1970s as Brazilian musicians began to experiment with new sounds and styles. One of the biggest influences on funk during this time was disco, which arrived in Brazil via imports from the United States. Brazilian funk would continue to evolve throughout the 1980s and 1990s, taking on elements of hip hop, electronica, and other genres. Today, funk is as popular as ever in Brazil, with artists like MC Carol, MC Nego do Borel, and MC Kevinho keeping the sound alive.

The Future of Funk

Funk is a popular music genre that originated in the mid-1960s. It combines elements of rhythm and blues, Soul, and Jazz. Funk is characterized by a strong bass line, which is often played on electric bass or keyboards. The lyrics are often sexually suggestive or political in nature.

Funk has been popular in Brazil since the 1970s. Brazilian funk, also known as baile funk, is a subgenre of funk that originated in the favelas (slums) of Rio de Janeiro. Baile funk tracks are typically very danceable and often feature explicit lyrics.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in baile funk outside of Brazil. In 2012, American singer Madonna released a song entitled “Girls Gone Wild” that samples baile funk vocals. In 2013, Major Lazer, an electronic music group consisting of American DJs Diplo and Switch, released an album entitled “Free the Universe” that features several tracks with baile funk influences.

What does the future hold for baile funk? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Funk is here to stay!

Conclusion

Thank you for taking the time to learn about Brazilian music: funk. This style of music is reflective of Brazilian culture and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. If you have the opportunity to attend a live show, we highly recommend it!