Best of funk edits Songs

Funk Edits: A Groovy History

Funk edits, a cornerstone of dance floors and mixtapes, emerged in the late 1970s, fueled by the potent combination of disco’s energy and the groove-heavy spirit of funk. This fascinating genre wasn’t just about remixing; it was about reimagining, re-energizing, and reinterpreting existing funk tracks, pushing the boundaries of dance music.

The origins of funk edits can be traced back to the early days of disco, when DJs started manipulating records to create extended mixes and build the energy of their sets. This practice quickly expanded to funk, with DJs like **Larry Levan**, **François Kevorkian**, and **Ron Hardy** becoming pioneers of the genre.

These early edits often focused on the bassline, drum break, or a catchy vocal hook, extending them for extended grooves and creating a more hypnotic, danceable experience. Some of the most famous funk edits from this period include:

**”Get Up (Before The Night Is Over)” by James Brown**, edited by Larry Levan.
**”Funky Drummer” by James Brown**, heavily sampled and edited across countless tracks.
**”Apache” by The Incredible Bongo Band**, a drum break that sparked a revolution in breakbeat culture.

Funk edits weren’t just a DJ-driven phenomenon; they also captured the attention of independent record labels, with labels like **West End Records**, **Boogie Down Productions**, and **Strictly Rhythm** releasing a wave of official edits. These edits often featured extended instrumental sections, unique vocal samples, and innovative sound design, pushing the boundaries of what a funk track could be.

The 1980s saw funk edits evolve further, with DJs incorporating influences from house music, hip hop, and electro. This fusion of styles gave birth to the “deep house” sound, characterized by soulful vocals, hypnotic rhythms, and a deep, funky bassline.

One of the most notable aspects of funk edits is the humor and creative license often exercised by DJs and producers. For instance, the iconic **”Super Freak” by Rick James**, after being famously sampled by MC Hammer, became a source of countless remixes, mashups, and edits, often incorporating humorous vocal snippets and unexpected sonic twists.

Some of the most famous funk edits from the 1980s and 1990s include:

**”Boogie Wonderland” by Earth, Wind & Fire**, featuring the iconic vocal hook “Boogie Wonderland, let’s get funky!”
**”Let’s Groove” by Earth, Wind & Fire**, a timeless classic, heavily sampled in countless hip hop and house tracks.
**”Think (About It)” by Lyn Collins**, a heavy funk track with a distinctive bassline, used in countless funk edits and hip hop samples.

Funk edits continue to thrive today, with DJs and producers drawing inspiration from the rich history of the genre. Whether it’s a classic remix or a brand-new interpretation, funk edits offer a unique blend of energy, groove, and soul, keeping the spirit of funk alive on dance floors across the globe.