How James Brown Influenced Hip-Hop
Friday December 29, 2006
James Brown, who died on December 25 at age 73, is popularly referred to as the "Godfather of Soul." He had both the message and the music to live up to that title. But he also put the "Good Foot" forward with a funky new sound that later became known to the world as "hip-hop." It's no coincidence that Mr. Brown is one of the most sampled artists in hip-hop (peep the "Get Up, Get Into It And Get Involved" sample on Nas' "Where Are They Now" from Hip-Hop Is Dead) till date. His rhythmic innovations had a major influence on most popular music styles, including R & B, soul, funk, disco, rock 'n' roll and, of course, rap. Let's take a look at some of the elements J.B. injected in the genre:
- His call-and-response style influenced hip-hop choruses.
- His dynamic rhythms on earlier records inspired break beats and funk drumming.
- Some of his musical showmanship and footwork inspired young breakdancers.
- "Funky Drummer," James Brown's 1969 recording with drummer Clyde Stubblefield, is a frequently sampled break in hip-hop.
Image © King
Comments
Hip-hop just wouldn’t be the same without James Brown, as well as The Last Poets & Gil Scott-Heron.
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You speak the truth.
James Brown was light years ahead of his time. He even used the term Bling bling long before it became popular.
LOL. Glen, put me on, when did JB use “bling bling”?
James Brown was truly a legend. He lived it up until his death. Remember the BET awards two years ago when he was dancing with Micheal Jackson? He was killin it..
im doing this research of muic that make you move, and im including 3 different genres of music that are hip-hop, reggaeton , and rap…. they are all mostly the same but some how different.. from what i heard of hip-hop it seems that james brown really influenced it..