The Funkiest Party Music from the 1980s

Join us as we take a trip down memory lane and revisit the 1980s – a decade that was defined by its music. From pop to rock to hip-hop, the 1980s had it all. And we’ve got the perfect playlist to get you started.

Introduction

In the 1980s, funk music made a comeback with a new generation of artists. Funk is a style of music that is based on a strong groove and often has elements of soul, disco, and rock. It is often seen as a more danceable alternative to other genres such as hip hop or rock.

Some of the most popular funk artists of the 1980s included Prince, George Clinton, and Parliament-Funkadelic. These artists helped to bring funk back into the mainstream with their unique blend of sounds and styles.

If you’re looking for some funky tunes to get your party started, look no further than this list of the best 1980s funk songs. From classics like “Funkytown” to newer hits like “U Can’t Touch This,” these tracks will get everyone on the dance floor. So crank up the volume and get ready to get down!

The Birth of Funk

Funk first came into existence in the 1960s with James Brown and his band creating a new style of music. However, it was in the 1970s when Funk really started to take off with Parliament-Funkadelic, George Clinton, and Bootsy Collins. Funk continued to grow in popularity in the 1980s with artists like Prince, Michael Jackson, and Chaka Khan.

James Brown and the Birth of Funk

James Brown is often credited with being the originator of the musical genre known as funk. Funk is a style of danceable, rhythmic music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is characterized by a strong, repetitive bass line and rhythms played on drums and percussion instruments. The word “funk” is derived from the French word for “smell,” which may refer to the earthy, musty smell of tobacco smoke and sweat that is often associated with the music.

Brown’s signature style of music was rooted in African American rhythm and blues, soul, and gospel traditions. However, he incorporated elements of jazz and funk to create a unique sound that was distinctly his own. His work had a profound influence on the development of funk music and other styles that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s.

George Clinton and the P-Funk All-Stars

George Clinton and the P-Funk All-Stars were one of the most popular and influential funk bands of the 1980s. They were known for their wild stage shows, which featured outlandish costumes and props, and for their catchy, danceable tunes. The band was led by George Clinton, a former member of James Brown’s backing band, The J.B.’s. Clinton’s vision for the band was to create a ” Parliament-Funkadelic ” – a fusion of Parliament’s R&B sound and Funkadelic’s psychedelia .

The P-Funk All-Stars had a number of hits in the 1980s, including “One Nation Under a Groove” and “Flash Light.” They were also one of the first bands to popularize the use of rap in their songs. In addition to their musical achievements, the P-Funk All-Stars were also known for their outrageous stage shows, which often featured costumed characters and large props.

Despite their success in the 1980s, the P-Funk All-Stars disbanded in the early 1990s. George Clinton continued to record and perform under the names Parliament and Funkadelic , while many of the other members went on to form new bands or pursue solo careers.

The Rise of Hip Hop

Though it has its roots in the African American community, hip hop music didn’t become widely popular until the late 1970s. This new style of music emerged from the South Bronx in New York City. It was a time when the economy was struggling and many people were living in poverty.

Afrika Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force

Afrika Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force were one of the most influential hip hop groups of the 1980s. They are credited with helping to pioneer the hip hop genre and popularize it around the world.

Bambaataa was born in the South Bronx in 1957. He became a member of the Black Spades, a street gang, in the 1970s. He began DJing parties and developing his own style of music, which he called “hip hop.” In 1982, he released “Planet Rock,” a song that featured elements of electronic music. The song was an instant hit and helped to popularize hip hop internationally.

In 1984, Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force released their debut album, Planet Rock: The Album. The album included the hit single “looking for the perfect beat.” The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to solidify hip hop’s place in popular music.

Bambaataa continued to release music throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He remains an important figure in hip hop today, and he is credited with helping to make it the global phenomenon it is today.

Run DMC

In the 1980s, a new kind of music called hip hop began to emerge. This style was characterized by its use of heavy bass, drum machines, and samples from other songs. It was often accompanied by rapping, which is a type of rhyming poetry that is spoken instead of sung. At first, hip hop was mostly popular in African American neighborhoods, but it soon spread to other parts of the country and even around the world.

One of the most influential groups in the early days of hip hop was Run DMC. This trio from New York City was known for its catchy hooks, simple beats, and socially conscious lyrics. They were also one of the first hip hop groups to gain mainstream success, thanks in part to their collaboration with Aerosmith on the 1986 song “Walk This Way.”

The Birth of Electro

In the early 1980s, a new type of music was born. It was a mix of disco and funk, and it was called electro. This new style of music was created by DJs who were looking for a way to make their disco records sound better. They did this by adding a drum machine to the mix and by using synthesizers to create new sounds.

Afrika Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force

The term “electro” is derived from the word “electronic,” meaning that the music is produced using electronic instruments. The history of electro music is often traced back to Afrika Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force, who released the song “Planet Rock” in 1982. The song was an instant hit, and its popularity helped to popularize electro music.

During the 1980s, electro music became increasingly popular, especially among African American and Latino audiences. The genre was characterized by its use of synthesizers, drum machines, and samples. Hip hop and electro often overlapped, and many of the biggest hits of the decade were hybrid songs that incorporated elements of both genres.

By the early 1990s, however, electro music had largely fallen out of favor; it was replaced by newer genres like house and techno. However, in recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in electro, with many modern producers incorporating its sounds into their own music.

Kraftwerk

Kraftwerk is a German band that was formed in the 1970s. They are often considered to be the pioneers of electronic music and their style has influenced many other genres including techno, house, and trance. Kraftwerk’s music is characterized by its repetitive, robotic sound which was created using synthesizers and drum machines. The band’s signature look is also very distinctive – they often dress in all-black uniforms and wear military-style haircuts.

Conclusion

To conclude, the 1980s was a great decade for party music, with a wide range of genres and styles to choose from. If you’re looking for something funkier and more unusual, then these are the tracks for you. Thanks for reading!