The Best Funk Music Videos of the Early 80s

Don’t miss our roundup of the best funk music videos of the early 80s! These classics are sure to get you grooving.

Introduction

Funk music originated in the mid-1960s as a mixture of soul, rhythm and blues, and jazz. By the early 1970s, it had become its own distinct genre with a unique sound and style. Funk songs are typically based on a strong groove, with prominent basslines and simple melodies. The lyrics often deal with themes of love, relationships, and dance.

While funk music was popular throughout the 1970s, it reached its peak in the early 1980s with the advent of MTV and music videos. These videos helped to bring funk music to a wider audience, and they also showcased the outrageous fashion and dance moves that were associated with the genre.

In this article, we take a look at some of the best funk music videos of the early 1980s. From Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” to Prince’s “Kiss”, these videos capture the essence of what funk music was all about.

George Clinton’s “Atomic Dog”

“Atomic Dog” is a song by George Clinton from his 1982 album Computer Games. The song was released as a single and became a hit, peaking at number one on the Billboard R&B chart and number 101 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song has been sampled by many artists, including Snoop Dogg, who had a hit with his 1993 cover version.

Parliament’s “Flash Light”

“Flash Light” is a song by Parliament that was released as a single in 1977. The song appears on the album Funkentelechy vs. the Placebo Syndrome. “Flash Light” peaked at number sixteen on the Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Hot Soul Singles chart. The song was ranked as the sixty-second greatest song of all time by Rolling Stone magazine.

The music video for “Flash Light” was directed by George Clinton and features the band performing in a dimly lit room with occasional flashes of light. The video was nominated for Best R&B Performance at the 1979 Grammy Awards.

Bootsy Collins’s “The One Giveth, the Count Taketh Away”

Bootsy Collins’s “The One Giveth, the Count Taketh Away” is a classic funk music video from the early 80s. The video features Bootsy Collins and his band performing the song while wearing some outrageous costumes. The video is full of energy and is sure to get you moving.

Funkadelic’s “One Nation Under a Groove”

Funkadelic’s “One Nation Under a Groove” is one of the best funk music videos of the early 80s. The song was released in 1978 and the video was released in 1981. The video features footage of the band performing live, as well as footage of people dancing to the music. The video is notable for its use of special effects, which were used to create the illusion that the band members were floating in air.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best funk music videos of the early 80s are a varied and eclectic bunch. From the classic sound of “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash to the more experimental “Atomic Dog” by George Clinton, there’s something for everyone in this list. So get up and get down with the best funk music videos of the early 80s!