funk

Funk is a music genre that originated in the mid- to late-1960s among African American musicians in the United States. It emphasizes rhythm and groove, with a strong, repetitive bass line, interlocking guitar and keyboard parts, and syncopated drum patterns. The hallmark is the groove, often described as the “funky pocket,” and a prominent rhythm section that drives the music.

Funk developed from earlier African American styles such as soul, rhythm and blues, gospel, and jazz. James Brown is widely cited as a key figure, pushing emphasis to the downbeat and tight, rhythmic band performances. Other early contributors include Sly and the Family Stone and the New Orleans-based group the Meters, whose instrumental funk helped define the sound.

Musical traits include heavy, syncopated guitar and keyboard parts, prominent bass lines, horn sections, and call-and-response patterns. Lyrics often celebrate dancing and social themes. Subgenres and offshoots include funk rock, Parliament-Funkadelic (P-funk), and jazz-funk; electro-funk and disco-adjacent forms emerged later, blending funk rhythms with studio experimentation and electronic sounds.

Influence and legacy: funk provided a foundation for hip-hop through extensive sampling, and it influenced later dance music and deejay culture. It remains a versatile framework for live performance and studio production, with enduring popularity in both traditional funk and hybrid forms worldwide.