Seven years ago to the day, we lost a true legend, in every sense of the word. The venerable James Brown; the Godfather of Soul, Funk, and dare I say, Hip-Hop. While I won’t be writing a full essay on the man (thanks, hangover), I will say this: Without the countless contributions James Brown (and The JBs) have made in the 60s, through the 70s and into the 80s, we would not -and this needs to sink into everyone’s heads- have the Hip-Hop we know today. Hell, we may have never even had such a genre without the man’s musical gifting. With that being said, may the Godfather rest in power and live on forever. Teach the kids!
I’ll end this post with a personal list of some of my favorite James Brown records.
Not a JB record, but definitely influenced him Gary Byrd (G.B.E.) – Soul Travelin’
Mind Power
King Heroin
Brother Rap
Sho Is Funky Down Here
The Boss
Coldblooded
Funky Drummer
Think w/ The Famous Flames
Soul Power
Eyesight
Funky President
Down and Out In New York City
Give It Up or Turn It Loose
Santa Claus Go Straight To The Ghetto