Funk Ain't Dead

Oh, you thought funk was dead? Well, welcome all you gappers, finger snappers, toe tappers and love rappers-- this is FUNK YEA! I'm Jazzy Z and I will be providing you with groovy facts, ear-dancin tunes and hip-swingin bios that will keep your feet movin' towards the computer screen all night long.

Let me start by saying that FUNK isn't just music, funk runs through your soul like a double dutch bus on roller skates doin 360's on the dance floor. But most people haven't realized that modern hip-hop, rap and pop artists duplicate samples from many funk songs-- such as Mtume's- Juicy Fruit & The Whispers- And The Beat Goes On.
Mtume's - Juicy Fruit
Set a new standard for modern hip hop music. Mtume, named after the founder James Mtume, was a funk and soul group who performed in the early 1980's. The band had several R&B hits and recorded 3 albums. However the group didn't become famous until the song "Juicy Fruit" was sampled by Notorious B.I.G. Influenced by artist and producer Sean "P. Diddy" Combs,  Notorious' album Ready To Die reached quadruple platinum. The infamous P. Diddy was known for commonly taking samples from old funk and soul songs and speeding or slowing the tracks down. He sought after this new style of music that took over the east coast rap scene.  Thanks Mtume!

The Whispers - And the Beat Goes On
Is another beat that i'm sure everyone can recognize. This 1970's funk group served many Billboard Top 100's and have albums dating up to 2009. Their song "And the Beat Goes on" reached #1 and would further carry on it's legacy when sampled by actor/rapper Will Smith. Will Smith chose this back-breaking beat for his single "Miami". The album Big Willie Style had 4 hit singles including "Miami" which hit #17 on the charts.

In light of the artists who have inspired the singers and songwriters of today, this is Jazzy Z leaving you with our song of the week-- remember to get your boogie on, FUNK YEA!

"Genius Of Love"-Tom Tom Club