funk
An African-American music genre built on syncopated bass lines, tight rhythms, and a heavy groove.
In Depth
Funk emerged in the mid-1960s, pioneered by James Brown and his band, who stripped rhythm and blues down to its rhythmic essence. The genre emphasises the first beat of each bar (the one), features syncopated bass and guitar patterns, tight horn arrangements, and a relentless groove that prioritises rhythm over melody and harmony.
George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic expanded funk into a cosmic, psychedelic direction. Sly and the Family Stone blended funk with rock and soul. Bootsy Collins, Larry Graham, and Bernard Edwards developed the slap bass technique that became funk's signature sound. Funk rhythms form the foundation of hip-hop, and sampled funk breaks appear in thousands of records.
James Brown's band was so tight that he would fine musicians for playing a wrong note and for being even slightly late on an entrance — precision was everything.