crime funk

The Funky Side of Crime: A History of Crime Funk

Crime funk, a genre that marries the gritty realities of the streets with the infectious grooves of funk, emerged in the 1970s and 80s, becoming a powerful voice for those living on the edge.

The Roots of the Funk:

Crime funk drew heavily from the social commentary and raw emotion of funk pioneers like James Brown and Sly and the Family Stone. Their songs, often addressing poverty, inequality, and social injustice, paved the way for a new generation of musicians who used their music to tell stories of urban life, crime, and the struggles of the underprivileged.

Early Innovators:

• The Meters: This New Orleans funk band, known for their tight grooves and innovative use of instruments, became a cornerstone for crime funk. Their song “Cissy Strut” (1969) is considered an early example of the genre’s signature sound, blending funk with elements of blues and soul.
• Parliament: This psychedelic funk group, led by the eccentric George Clinton, used their music to explore themes of social alienation and societal ills, paving the way for the rise of funk music that addressed crime and injustice. Their song “Flash Light” (1978) is a classic example of how crime funk could be used to celebrate urban culture and the resilience of the streets.

The Rise of the Punks:

The late 70s saw the rise of artists who directly tackled the themes of crime and the streets.

• Isaac Hayes: Known for his soulful and sophisticated sound, Hayes released the critically acclaimed album “Hot Buttered Soul” (1969), which featured the iconic track “Theme from Shaft,” an instant anthem for blaxploitation films and an early example of crime funk’s cinematic influence.
• The JB’s: James Brown’s backing band, The JB’s, released several funk classics that explored the dark side of the streets, such as “Pass the Peas” (1975) and “Doing It To Death” (1976), both of which incorporated themes of crime and social unrest into their energetic and infectious grooves.
• Kool & the Gang: This group, known for their smooth funk sound, also dipped their toes in crime funk, releasing hits like “Jungle Boogie” (1973) and “Hollywood Swinging” (1974), which showcased the genre’s versatility and its ability to appeal to a wider audience.

Funny Facts:

• Isaac Hayes’ “Theme from Shaft” was originally written for a blaxploitation film. It was so popular that it became a stand-alone hit, inspiring countless imitations and solidifying the link between crime and funk.
• Parliament’s George Clinton, notorious for his eccentric and flamboyant personality, once claimed that he had been kidnapped by aliens. He even named a song after the experience, “Atomic Dog” (1982).
• The Meters’ “Cissy Strut” was initially a B-side to another song but became a major hit due to its infectious groove and its playful use of the word “strut” as a metaphor for self-confidence and swagger.

The Legacy:

Crime funk continued to influence music throughout the 80s and 90s, inspiring artists like Public Enemy, N.W.A, and Outkast who continued to push the boundaries of the genre, incorporating elements of hip-hop and electronic music into their sound.

Crime funk remains a powerful and relevant genre, reminding us of the complexities of urban life and the enduring power of music to tell stories and spark social change.