The Top Modern Funk Music Groups
Discover the top modern funk music groups that are currently making a name for themselves in the music industry. From experimental to classic funk, these artists are sure to get you grooving.
The Roots
The Roots are an American hip hop band, formed in 1987 by drummer Questlove and rapper Black Thought. The band is known for its jazzy and soulful sound, and for its members’ virtuosic instrumental skills. The Roots have released 12 studio albums, including two Grammy-winning albums, and have been nominated for 17 Grammy Awards. They are one of the most respected and acclaimed hip hop bands of all time.
The band’s lineup has changed several times over the years, but it has always included Black Thought and Questlove. Other notable members have included rappers Malik B., Dice Raw, and Yasiin Bey (formerly known as Mos Def). The Roots have been praised for their ability to fuse hip hop with other genres such as jazz, soul, R&B, and rock. They have also been credited with helping to revive interest in live instruments in hip hop music.
D’Angelo and the Vanguard
D’Angelo and the Vanguard is an American neo-soul and R&B group composed of multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and record producer D’Angelo, and his backing band The Vanguard. The group signed with RCA Records in 2012 and released their debut album Black Messiah in 2014.
The group’s sound is a throwback to the 1970s style of funk music, with elements of soul, hip hop and rock.Black Messiah received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with many critics calling it one of the best albums of 2014. The album won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards.
Vulfpeck
Hailing from Ann Arbor, Michigan, Vulfpeck is composed of Jack Stratton, Woody Goss, Joe Dart, and Antwaun Stanley. The band has been making a name for themselves since 2011 with their jazzy and danceable sound. They have released four albums: Mit Peck (2011), Thrill of the Arts (2015), The Beautiful Game (2016), and Mr. Finish Line (2017). Vulfpeck was nominated for a Grammy in 2017 for their album Thrill of the Arts.
Lettuce
Lettuce is an American funk band formed in 1992. The band draws influence from classic funk bands like James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic, as well as contemporary artists like Prince and Sly & The Family Stone. Their sound is a mix of high-energy grooves, jazzy horn lines, and soulful vocals.
Lettuce has released six studio albums and have toured extensively throughout the US and Europe. They have collaborated with a variety of artists including Snoop Dogg, Wu-Tang Clan, Duran Duran, and John Scofield. The band has earned critical acclaim from publications like Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and The New York Times.
Ghost-Note
Ghost-Note is a modern funk group that includes members of world-renowned bands such as Snarky Puppy and Prince. The band has released two albums, both of which topped the Billboard Contemporary Jazz charts. Ghost-Note is known for their energetic live performances and their ability to fuse elements of jazz, hip hop, and rock into their music.
