The second article in the classic breaks series is in reference to another famous and well used break beat called “Funky drummer” by James Brown. Like the “Amen break” discussed in the previous article it’s hard to imagine what music today would sound like if it wasn’t for the “Funky drummer” track and break beat being created. The “Funky drummer” break beat has been sampled, chopped up and used as an ingredient by so many artists and producers ever since samplers gave us the power to manipulate music. From classic hip hop artists like Public Enemy, Ultamagnetic MCs, and N.W.A to pop artists like George Michael, Kylie Minogue and new comer Emili Sande. Generations of performers have been drawn to and have felt inspired by this particular composition.

In this article break to the beat explore the origins of the “Funky Drummer” break beat from its creation, to its rise in popularity in hip hop and popular music. If you are not familiar with the “funky drummer” break beat and extract can be heard in below window. The extract is taken from the “Funky drummer bonus beat reprise” on the James Brown album “In the jungle groove”.

James Brown “Funky drummer bonus beat reprise”

The song “Funky drummer” was recorded in 1969 and released in March 1970 on King Records as a double sided 7″ Single. The full length version of “Funky drummer” however was not released until 1986 on James Brown‘s “In the Jungle Groove” LP. Continue reading →