Stolen Nolan – Breakbeat Paradise Recordings
Soul Stank Soul Edits: Where Funk Meets Funky
Soul, funk, and disco – these genres, with their infectious grooves and soulful vocals, have been shaking dance floors for decades. But in the late 90s and early 2000s, a new wave of music emerged: Soul Stank Soul Edits.
This subgenre, often described as “chopped and screwed” funk, took the best parts of classic soul and funk tracks, slowed them down, and re-arranged them for a more hypnotic and bass-heavy experience. Think James Brown with a modern, psychedelic twist.
A Brief History:
- Roots in the Mixtape Era: Soul Stank Soul Edits arose from the DJ culture of the 90s, where mixtapes were king. DJs like DJ Screw and DJ DMD in Houston, Texas, were pioneers of the “chopped and screwed” style, slowing down tracks and manipulating them for a new sound.
- The “Stank” Factor: This slowed-down, bass-heavy style came to be known as “stank,” a term reflecting the murky, distorted sound and the feeling of being “lost in the groove.”
- The Soul Connection: As DJs experimented with different genres, they started applying the “stank” treatment to classic soul and funk records. These edits became popular within the hip-hop community and even found their way into mainstream music.
Funny Facts:
- James Brown, the King of Funk: Known for his energetic stage presence and relentless showmanship, James Brown actually hated the “stank” treatment. He even went so far as to sue a DJ for making an unauthorized “stank” edit of his song.
- The “Stank” Controversy: Despite Brown’s disapproval, “stank” edits became a popular way to re-interpret classic funk. This led to a debate over whether these edits were disrespectful to the original artists.
- More Than Just Slowing Down: Soul Stank Soul Edits are more than just slowing down tracks. They involve meticulous editing, chopping, and re-arranging the music to create a completely new experience.
Today, Soul Stank Soul Edits continue to thrive in underground club scenes and online. The genre’s unique blend of old and new, soulful and “stank,” continues to inspire DJs and music lovers alike.