The Best Funk Music of 2021
Contents
A list of the best funk songs of 2021. These are the hits that are getting everyone on the dance floor this year.
Introduction
In the late 1960s, James Brown made funk music popular with his hit songs “I Got You (I Feel Good)” and “Say It Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud.” George Clinton took the sound in a different direction with his bands Parliament and Funkadelic, creating a style of funk that was more psychedelic and experimental. Clinton’s influence can be heard in the work of contemporary artists like Kendrick Lamar, whose hit album To Pimp a Butterfly incorporates elements of funk, soul, and jazz.
While funk has its roots in African American music, it has been adopted by musicians from all over the world. In Brazil, for example, artists like Seu Jorge and Marcos Valle have blended funk with Bossa Nova to create a unique sound. In Europe, bands like Belgian-Congolese group Zap Mama and French-Cameroonian group Les Nubians have combined funk with African music to create their own versions of the genre.
Funk is having something of a resurgence in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to contemporary artists who are keeping the sound alive. Here are some of the best funk songs of 2021:
The Best Funk Music of 2021
Funk music is a genre of music that originated in the 1970s. It is a style of music that is based on a strong groove and is often described as a cross between soul and disco. Funk music is a genre of music that is often underappreciated, but it is a genre that is worth checking out. In this article, we will be discussing the best funk music of 2021.
George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic
George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic is an American band that was most prominent in the 1970s and early 1980s. The band began as The Parliaments, a doo-wop group based in Plainfield, New Jersey. George Clinton took over the group in 1964 and transformed it into a funk band that blended elements of rock, R&B, and soul. By the early 1970s, the band had generated a following among African-American audiences on the East Coast.
The band achieved its greatest success with the album “Mothership Connection” (1975), which spawned the hit singles “Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker)” and “Flash Light.” The album peaked at number four on the “Billboard” 200 chart and earned a Grammy Award for Best Album Cover. The band’s success continued with the albums “Funkentelechy vs. The Placebo Syndrome” (1977) and “One Nation Under a Groove” (1978).
In recent years, George Clinton has toured with Parliament Funkadelic as part of his solo career. The band was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
Funkadelic
Funkadelic was an American band formed in 1968. The group was led by George Clinton, and their music blended elements of soul, psychedelic rock, and R&B. They released their debut album, Funkadelic, in 1970, and the follow-up, Free Your Mind…And Your Ass Will Follow, in 1971. Both albums were critical and commercial successes, and the band became one of the most popular acts in the 1970s.
Funkadelic’s music was heavily influenced by Parliament-Funkadelic’s use of synthesizers and electronic effects, as well as Clinton’s surrealist lyrics. The group was also known for its wild onstage antics, which often included costumes and props. Funkadelic is considered to be one of the pioneers of the funk genre, and their music has been influential to subsequent generations of musicians.
Bootsy’s Rubber Band
Formed in 1972 by the famous bassist Bootsy Collins, Rubber Band was a supergroup of musicians who helped define the sound of Funk. With their blend of James Brown-inspired grooves and psychedelic synthesizers, they created a unique style of music that was unlike anything else being made at the time. They released their debut album ‘The Bootsy Collinses Experience’ in 1973, which contained the hit single ‘I’d Rather Be with You’. The band continued to release successful albums throughout the 1970s, including ‘Stretchin’ Out in Bootsy’s Rubber Band’ and ‘Ahh…The Name is Bootsy, Baby!’.
The Meters
The Meters are one of the most influential funk bands of all time. They were formed in 1965 in New Orleans, and their sound is a unique blend of R&B, soul, and rock. Their debut album, “The Meters”, was released in 1969 and was an instant classic. It included the hits “Cissy Strut” and “Look-Ka Py Py”. The band went on to release several more successful albums throughout the 1970s.
In 1975, The Meters disbanded but reunited in 1989 and have been touring and recording ever since. They were inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2017. If you’re a fan of funk music, you need to check out The Meters!
The Ohio Players
The Ohio Players are one of the most iconic funk bands of all time. They were originally formed in Dayton, Ohio in the early 1960s, and they quickly rose to prominence in the 1970s with a series of hit albums and singles. Their music is characterized by a heavy groove, often featuring horns and keyboards, and their live shows were legendary for their energy and sex appeal. The Ohio Players are considered by many to be one of the architects of the funk sound, and their influence can still be heard in today’s music.
Conclusion
With 2021 just beginning, there’s already been a plethora of fantastic funk music released. From established artists like Vulfpeck and Lettuce to newcomers like Ghost-Note and Young Mammals, there’s something for everyone.
So far, 2021 has been a great year for funk music. With so many great releases already, it’s shaping up to be one of the best years for the genre in recent memory. Here’s to hoping that the rest of the year continues the trend.
