RIP, Godfather of Soul

Posted By: Shagz
Date:

As many of you may have heard, James Brown passed away on Christmas morning at the age of 73. Perhaps you may have known from the sound of a million hip hop heads, funk brothers and soul sisters crying as one.

It could perhaps be argued that modern James Brown lost his musical relevance ages ago - it's not like you can go out a buy a new James Brown record - but what he did, as a singer, band leader and producer, 40 years ago has echoed like thunder through out our musical pop culture for decades. Whether it's the hits like Papa's Got A Brand New Bag or I Feel Good, or the ubiquitous The Funky Drummer (arguably the most sampled break of all time), or even just that distinctive James Brown "Huh!", his sweaty, passionate musical genius has permeated and influenced almost every corner of western pop culture. He can be heard parading around K-Os' B-Boy Stance, pepping up rom-com movie trailers and montages, or being used to hock cell phones and SUVs.

I have no doubt that James' music and influence will continue to reverberate for some time to come, perhaps an eternity, be it in the musical DNA being passed from one generation of hip hop producers to the next or just being enjoyed wholesale at the center of wedding receiption dance floors.

Way back in 1991, dutch rave group LA Style said: James Brown is Dead. Sadly, it has finally come to pass.

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