Funk in the News
PBS has dropped a new documentary on its Independent Lens program: We Want the Funk!
An NPR story on the doc quotes Professor Todd Boyd (“The Notorious Ph.D.”), who says the following about the funk:
Well, it’s funky. But beyond that, I don’t know if I can describe it. But when you hear it, you know what it is. And, perhaps more importantly, you know it when you feel it.
Erykah Badu will drop a new album in 2025, her first since 2010! Even though she’s not been recording much other than guest appearances on other artists’ albums, she tours eight months out of the year, so she’s stayed plenty busy.
Bootsy got a new album coming out April 11! Album of the Year #1 Funkateer. Here’s the title track:
“Questlove Confronts the ‘Burden of Black Genius’ in a New Sly Stone Documentary,” Fresh Air, NPR, February 10, 2025.