The 1980s is widely known as a decade of colorful fashion, new-wave pop, and hair-metal rock. However, the 80s was also a time that brought a lot of changes in the funk music genre, which emerged in the early 1970s. In this blog post, we’ll look at whether funk was still relevant in the 80s and how it evolved during that time.
The Root of Funk
Funk is a genre of music that has its roots in soul and rhythm & blues music. It was popularized by African-American musicians in the 1960s and 1970s. Funk featured a strong bassline, syncopated rhythms, and brass instrumentation. It was characterized by its danceable, groovy, and energetic nature.
The Evolution of Funk in the 80s
The 1980s brought a new sound and style to funk music. New sub-genres such as Electro-Funk and Go-Go emerged and became a popular style for the youth. Electro-funk is a style of music that combines funk with electronic music techniques. It was heavily influenced by hip-hop and was popularized by artists such as Afrika Bambaataa and Grandmaster Flash.
Go-Go, on the other hand, is a genre that originated in Washington D.C. during the late 1970s and early 1980s. It is characterized by its strong percussion, heavy bass, and call-and-response style of singing. Some of the notable figures in this genre include Chuck Brown, Trouble Funk, and Rare Essence.
Popular Funk Artists of the 80s
The 80s saw the emergence of many funk artists who dominated the music scene. One of the most notable figures was Prince, who blended elements of rock, funk, and pop into his music. Another notable artist was Rick James, who was known for his electrifying performances, catchy melodies, and funky basslines.
Other notable funk artists of the 80s include George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic, Cameo, The Time, and Zapp. These artists helped to keep the funk genre alive in the 80s.
The Legacy of Funk in the 80s
The 80s was a vital period for the funk genre. It helped to shape the sound of popular music and left a lasting impact on future generations of musicians. Many modern-day artists such as Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, and Childish Gambino have been influenced by the funk music of the 80s.
Conclusion
In conclusion, funk was very much alive in the 1980s and evolved into new subgenres that influenced the sound of popular music. Despite this, the genre’s popularity waned in the 1990s, but its legacy lives on in today’s music industry. As we’ve seen, the funk music of the 80s had a significant impact on popular culture, and its influence is still alive today.
FAQ
What decade was funk?
Funk is a genre of music that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s in the United States. It is characterized by its strong and syncopated rhythm, thick bassline, and complex instrumentation. Funk blends elements of soul, jazz, and R&B, creating a distinctive sound that is both funky and danceable.
The origins of funk can be traced back to the African American musical traditions of New Orleans and other southern cities in the United States. In the 1960s, funk began to take shape as a distinct genre, with artists like James Brown, Sly and the Family Stone, and Parliament-Funkadelic leading the way. These musicians introduced new and innovative techniques in playing instruments, such as slapping the bass and using wah-wah pedals, which added to the unique sound of funk.
The peak of funk’s popularity was in the 1970s, where it dominated the airwaves and dance floors. Famous funk hits include James Brown’s “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine,” Sly and the Family Stone’s “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin),” and George Clinton’s “Flashlight.”
Funk’s influence on music has been felt in numerous genres, including hip hop, pop, and rock. Many current artists, such as Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson, incorporate funk elements into their music.
Funk music emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s in the United States, with its roots in African American musical traditions. Its peak of popularity was in the 1970s, and it continues to influence music today.