Exploring Funk

Funk music evolved from soul, R&B, and jazz music in the 1960s, gaining popularity in the 1970s-1980s. It is largely known as a dancing genre created by African American musicians. Its rhythmic beats has influenced and impacted many artists and pop culture.

One of the most popular funk musicians is James Brown. He is often credited as inventing funk music, but even he himself recognized Little Richard as a main contributor to the genre. James Brown was a highly prolific and respected artist that helped shape funk for what it is known as today. He was a great singer as well as a mindblowing performer.

Another insanely huge artist that made funk music is the one and only Prince! Prince was a major 80s icon. His music incoporates funky beats and racy lyrics. He said that if you can describe the sound, that it’s not funky enough. He is considered to be a music legend and is easily a Funk King.

Funk is a basically a super blend of amazing and well known genres of music made successful by black musicians. It continues to influence hip hop and other types of music as well. The rapper Andre 3000 is known for adding funk to his most famous raps. Bruno Mars is heavily influenced too. The best part about music is that it is constantly evolving and growing. Do you remember any old funk songs growing up? What are your favorites? Comment down below!