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This album is for people who feel music, truly feel it – people who live for the bassline; people who eat music for breakfast. Funk is so deep, raw, emotional, and vibe-centered, that for some, it’s a foreign, intimidating sound that requires a proper introduction. THE KINGS OF FUNK is a perfect orientation to the gritty sounds of this soulful genre. Wu Tang Clan’s RZA and crate-digger extraordinare KEB DARGE have joined forces to compile their top tracks of various artists, and to share with us squares their love for all things funky.
The funk sound is seriously rhythm-based with all instruments forming, and concentrating on, a syncopated rhythm rather than a melody. And, typically, there are not many chord changes, all creating and emphasizing that rhythmic vibe – you just gotta feel it and roll with it.
THE KINGS OF FUNK bring out the big guns for this collection; Ken Boothe’s reggae-funk “Is it Because I’m Black”, Sly & The Family Stone’s “Small Talk”, “Genuine” by Sharon Jones, and Madcliff’s “You Can Make The Change.” Hip-hop heads will recognize some of the breaks as classic samples used by Big Daddy Kane, Beatnuts, and A Tribe Called Quest.
Soul-sisters are in full force with “You’ve Got The Papers” by Anne Peebles, The Honey Cones’ disco-funk “If I Can’t Fly”, and “Do Your Thing” by the undeniably first lady of funk, Lyn Collins, who was routinely featured on James Brown classics.
Check out MFSB’s “Family Affair 1973”, a cover of the Sly & The Family Stone original. The non-stop party cuts are “Party Time” by Brand New, “The MG Beat” by Mighty Generation, and Skying High’s “Getting Off On Your Loving”.
The money track on this compilation is “Melting Pot” by Booker T and the MG’S, a beautifully minimalist and haunting arrangement of drums, bass, rhythm guitar, and organ, which all come together for a big-sound bridge; putting it over the top.
Friends, THE KINGS OF FUNK is groovy, soulful, and well, funky; go get it. But, please be sure to first stretch or do some yoga - whatever it takes to loosen up your spine, I wouldn’t want you to break anything. rapsterrecords.com - bbemusic.com-- review by ursula
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