All these albums have one thing in common: FUNK
Funk music embeds a unique component into music that makes us all want to move and that is a sick, bumpy baseline. The bass guitar adds a deep and funky riff that is the backbone of all music, but specifically funk music. Here are 3 albums that have been circulating my Spotify.
The Very Best Of Rufus Featuring Chaka Khan
The album opens with the classic “Do You Love What You Feel” single. The drums, the whistle and the bass create the well-known intro that makes Rufus an amazing funk band. Originating from Chicago, Illinois, this band released numerous singles that went on to show us the incredible vocal range and spark Chaka Khan demonstrates. You can’t help but move your body when the trumpets, drums and guitar all slap together on every 4-count on this single. Icons such as Mary J. Blige covered Rufu’s “Sweet Thing’ and Erykah Badu covered “Stay” in her live concert in 1999. If you’re feeling nostalgic about the 70’s, bump this album!
Top Tracks: “Do You Love What You Feel”, “Stay”, “You Got The Love”, “Please Pardon Me”, “Sweet Thing”
Pala by Friendly Fires
I’m a global citizen that seeks for music from every country. Introducing Friendly Fires and their 2nd album, Pala. Originating from the UK, Friendly Fires is your perfect mix of alternative dance and funk with this incredible album. The synths and banging drums paired with Ed Macfarlane’s strategic and angelic vocals brings Pala to an alternative funk universe. Not even Ed can resist the incredible drums as he is not only known for his vocals but his hip-shaking dance moves.Friendly Fires had a quick hiatus while working on other projects but they are returning this year with new music. Get your hips ready.
Top Tracks: “I’ll Live Those Days Tonight”, “Hurting”, “Show Me Lights”, “True Love”, “Pull Me Back To Earth”
99.9% by Kaytranada
Haitian-born and Montreal-based Louis Kevin Celestin aka KAYTRANADA dropped his most anticipated debut album 99.9% on May 2016. The Bandcamp and Soundcloud world has been blessed with Kay’s beats and remixes ever since he started in 2010. Having his own unique sound that is characterized by deep synths, claps, baselines and Haitian/funk vibes, Kay has us all moving and bouncing. From his famous remixes such as Janet Jackson’s “If”, Disclosure’s “January” and Jill Scott’s “Golden”, Kay has branded himself as the most wanted Producer in the game. Kay has also produced top tracks for DMV native Goldlink such as “Sober Thoughts”, “Meditation” and “Together”.
Top Tracks: “TRACK UNO”, “TOGETHER”, “BREAKDANCE LESSON N.1”, “YOU’RE THE ONE” “VIVID DREAM”, “LEAVE ME ALONE”
Written by Bridget Kyeremateng
Bridget Kyeremateng is a content creator and writer based in New York City originally from California. She is a proud feminist, activist and music lover. Bridget has degrees in Black Studies and Feminist Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
