Porter Jr. pointed out that there have been substantial changes in funk music over the years, and that what is now considered ‘funk’ or ‘funky’ music lacks some of the basic elements traditionally associated with the genre like syncopation. Expressing uncertainty about the current definition of funk, he suggested that it seems to have merged with hip-hop.
“I don’t know what is considered funk today. I really don’t. Funk music today is hip-hop, I guess.”
George Porter Jr. believes rhythmic playing is not as prominent as it used to be. He also admits that syncopation, which he thinks is missing in current funk music, does not appeal to the masses. He stated:
“Syncopation is out. Syncopation is history. In my dealings with people at record companies, I keep being told that my music ain’t funky. They say it’s too syncopated People have to think about how to dance to music when it’s syncopated because it’s not just straight 4/4. Syncopation is like jazz – it wasn’t meant for the masses, just a hip few.”
Is Funk Dead?
George Porter Jr.’s comments reminded us of Gene Simmons’ repeated statements of ‘Rock is dead,’ which caused great controversy in the music world. It was first expressed in an interview with Esquire in 2014, has been repeated by Simmons over the years. And if one day we start to hear the slogan ‘Funk is dead,’ it will be mainly as a result of hip-hop, currently the most popular music genre in the world, dominating the genre it was born out of.
Funk samples and elements are a common feature in rap production. The characteristic bass lines, prominent horn sections, and focus on the first beat in funk have greatly influenced rap’s sound. Early rap artists often drew inspiration from funk’s beats, grooves, and basslines. It is no different these days. We can still hear funk samples and elements in rap productions. As for the themes of social and political commentary prevalent in funk, not so much, at least in the mainstream.
Especially in the late eighties and nineties, Funk and Hip-hop music were mixed together, and nowadays Hip-hop seems to appeal to a wider audience, eliminating Funk’s role in the mix.
Most people only musically consume what’s popular or what they’re provided by the radio and in that regard, funk is dead. However, if you’re willing to explore beyond mainstream music, you’ll find a variety of bands keeping the funk alive.
As Questlove, the drummer of the Hip-hop group The Roots, says:
“Funk never dies. It is eternal. It just smells a little different from time to time.”
The history of popular music is a chronicle of changing styles. Musicians move on and bring the audience with them. Funk had its time and still continues to breathe through different genres.
