FunkTropolis

04/08/2024

Today Marks The 52nd Anniversary of New Birth’s Offshoot Band The Nite-Liters 4th Studio Album “Different Strokes” Originally Released on August 4, 1972.

“Different Strokes” is the fourth album by Louisville, Kentucky group The Nite-Liters (New Birth) released in 1972 on RCA Records.

Upon release the album failed to reach the Billboard charts and no official song was released as a single from the album.

The Nite-Liters, the instrumental ensemble offshoot of New Birth, featuring Tony Churchill, James Baker, Robin Russell, Austin Lander, Robert "Lurch" Jackson, Leroy Taylor, Charlie Hearndon.

The Nite Liters are funk masters and one in which their tight, choppy sound really branches out to encompass a whole world of instrumental soul.

The album has a blaxploitstion vibe lots of cinematic funk soundscapes comprising an album.

The song “Do The Granny“ has a jazz funk groove the instrumental has a funky guitar chug.

The album was produced by the band’s mentor Harvey Fuqua.

Track-listing

1. Do the Granny
2. Money Runner (From the film Dollars)
3. Stop, Look, Listen
4. Theme from Angela
5. Funky-Vamp
6. Maynard Ferguson's Theme
7. Theme from Buck & the Preacher
8. Back Down Home
9. Skimo's Theme

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

04/08/2024

Today Marks The 45th Anniversary of Kleeer’s Sophomore Studio Album “Winners” Originally Released on August 4, 1979.

Winners is the second album by American New York City based R&B funk band Kleeer released in 1979 on Atlantic Records.

The album reached #24 on the U.S. Billboard Top Soul Albums chart and at #140 on the U.S. Billboard Pop Albums chart.

Two songs were released from the album the title track “Winners” and

"Winners'" reached #23 on the U.S. Billboard R&B singles charts and at #37 on the U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs charts.

"Open Your Mind" reached #86 on the U.S. Billboard R&B singles charts

Track-listing

1. Winners
2. I Still Love You
3. Your Way
4. Close To You
5. Rollin' On
6. Nothin' Said
7. Hunger For Your Love
8. Open Your Mind

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

04/08/2024

Today Marks The 37th Anniversary of Deja’s Debut Studio Debut “Serious” Originally Released on August 3, 1987.

“Serious” the debut studio album by Deja (formerly known as Aurra) released in 1987 on Virgin Records .

The album reached #27 on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and at #186 on the U.S. Billboard 200 charts.

Three songs were released as singles from the album “Serious”, "You and Me Tonight" and "That's Where You'll Find Me".

“Serious” the debut single from the album failed to chart in the United States, However the song reached #75 on the UK singles charts.

"You and Me Tonight" was previously released as a single in 1986 on 10 Records, The song peaked at #2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart, #20 on the U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs chart and at #50 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

"That's Where You'll Find Me" reached #17 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart.

You and Me Tonight" became the highest-charting single from any Aurra-associated group. Shortly after the album’s release Starleana Young decided to leave to pursue a solo career she was replaced by singer Mysti Day.

Track-listing

1. Serious
2. Some Things Turn Around
3. That's Where You'll Find Me
4. Heart Beat
5. Premonition
6. Life
7. What To Do Now
8. Summer Love
9. Straight To The Point
10. You And Me Tonight

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

03/08/2024

Stanly Clarke - Silly Putty
https://youtu.be/Mkmq78VnS6w?si=cB8wXyRp3VmGs8Vi

03/08/2024

The Undisputed Truth - Boogie Bump Boogie
https://youtu.be/a0J00BveCK0?si=zRQWdrm2hUxJ2I2k

Higher Than High

℗ A Motown Records Release;
℗ 1975 UMG Recordings, Inc.

Released on: 1975-01-01

Producer: Norman Whitfield
Composer Lyricist: Norman Whitfield
Composer Lyricist: John McGhee

03/08/2024

Pure Perfection by Bootsy CollinsCopyright (C) 2024 Bootzilla Records.

02/08/2024

Today Marks The 35th Anniversary of George Clinton’s 5th Studio Album “The Cinderella Theory” Originally Released on August 2, 1989.

“The Cinderella Theory” is the fifth studio album by American funk musician George Clinton, released August 2, 1989, on Paisley Park Records.

The album reached #75 on the U.S. Billboard Top Black Albums chart and at #192 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Two songs were released from the album "Why Should I Dog You Out?" and "Tweakin'" both songs failed to reach the Billboard charts.

The album was released three years after his previous studio effort, R&B Skeletons in the Closet, which was his last album for Capitol Records.

The Cinderella Theory represented a comeback of sorts for Clinton, who had been largely absent from the pop music scene since his last album for Capitol.

The album was produced by Clinton for Baby Clinton Inc.

Track-listing

1. Airbound
2. Tweakin
3. Cinderella Theory
4. Why Should I Dog U Out?
5. Serious Slammin'
6. There I Go Again
7. (She Got It) Goin' On
8. Banana Boat Song
9. French Kiss
10. Rita Bewitched
11. Kredit Kard
12. Airbound (Reprise)

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

02/08/2024

Howard Johnson - So Glad You're My Lady
https://youtu.be/qEj3jdRmNBo?si=HYsRoVKZ3LMHEk7a

Keepin' Love New

℗ An A&M Records Release; ℗ 1982 UMG Recordings, Inc.

Released on: 1982-01-01

Producer: Kashif
Producer: Paul Lawrence Jones
Producer: Morrie Brown
Composer Lyricist: Paul Lawrence Jones

01/08/2024

Cheryl Lynn - Look Before You Leap
https://youtu.be/AuDKVZt5TFI?si=PX8Z4LT15USXrNUp

Instant Love

℗ 1982 Sony Music Entertainment

Released on: 1982-06-11

Composer, Lyricist: D. Batteau
Composer, Lyricist: M. Sembello
Producer: Luther Vandross

01/08/2024

How did the song The Stick by The Time come about?

Lisa- Well… one day at Kiowa trail…… that’s pronounced k(IOWA!). I was drinking my morning coffee and Prince came up to me with a piece of paper that had a couple lines of lyrics on it. Something about being smooth like my Cadillac or something like that….. and he said, “can you write some lyrics to go with this and in the same rhythm”….. like whatever meter he was hearing in his head. I know it was in his head because I read the lyrics and had no idea what the rhythm was supposed to be….. but whatevs…. hahaha so I started writing and I came up with my own rhythm….. which he commented on (“I don’t know what rhythm YOU were on, but…”). So I wrote this one line, “ you’re so automatic, I’d rather work my stick.” And with that hook in mind, there’s your song! He wrote the rest that day. We worked in his basement studio. And…. Ya know….. made the record. Hahaha oooh my stick!

https://open.spotify.com/track/2IerKahwxEEqqmBGq5ED5g?si=foKYqO7ZRmece_cLq6fpLQ

01/08/2024

In such an illustrious career filled with so many amazing and culture-shifting albums and songs, ‘Songs in the Key of Life’ stands as Stevie Wonder’s most shining of moments.

31/07/2024

31/07/2024

The O'Jays - For The Love Of Money
https://youtu.be/qxW789jHXII?si=xpQyUk9bRu7EOqOP

Ship Ahoy

℗ 1973 Epic Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment

Released on: 1973-11-10

Composer, Lyricist: Kenneth Gamble
Composer, Lyricist, Producer: Leon Huff
Composer, Lyricist: Anthony Jackson
Vocal: Eddie Levert
Vocal: Walter Williams
Vocal: William Powell
All Instruments: MFSB
Producer: Kenneth Gamble

30/07/2024

Today Marks The 45th Anniversary of Chic’s Third Studio Album “Risqué” Originally Released on July 30, 1979.

“Risqué” is the third studio album by American disco band Chic, released in 1979 on Atlantic Records.

The album peaked at #2 on the U.S. Billboard Soul LP's chart and at #5 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.

The songs were released as singles from the album "Good Times", "My Forbidden Lover" and "My Feet Keep Dancing”.

"Good Times" peaked at #1 on both the U.S. Billboard 100 and the U.S. Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart. The song also peaked at and #3 on the U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.

"My Forbidden Lover" peaked at #3 on the U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs chart, #33 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart and at #43 on the U.S.Billboard Hot 100.

"My Feet Keep Dancing” reached #42 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart and at #101 just beneath the U.S.Billboard Hot 100.

The song "Good Times" has been extensively sampled in other artists' works, most notably in the first top 40 rap single, "Rapper's Delight" by Sugarhill Gang, that same year. "Will You Cry" was sampled in "Just a Moment" by Nas from the 2004 album Street's Disciple.

In 2020, Rolling Stone ranked “Risqué”at number 414 on their list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Times list.

The album was certified platinum in the United States by the RIAA

Track-listing

1. Good Times
2. A Warm Summer Night
3. My Feet Keep Dancing
4. My Forbidden Lover
5. Can't Stand to Love You
6. Will You Cry (When You Hear This Song)
7. What About Me?

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

30/07/2024

Rose Royce - Funk Factory
https://youtu.be/P8sFdhLdHmc?si=KBYi1keWYthVjdA-

In Full Bloom

℗ 1977 Warner Records Inc.

Performance: Rose Royce
Composer: Freddie Dunn
Composer: Gwenetta Dickey
Composer: Henry Garner Jr
Composer: Kenji Brown
Composer: Kenneth Copeland
Composer: Lequieint Jobe
Composer: Michael Moore
Composer: Michael Nash
Composer: Terral Santiel

30/07/2024

Remembering the one and only Jim Stewart, the founder and co-owner of Stax Records. ❤️ He was born on this day in 1930, in Middleton, Tennessee. Raised on a farm and a banker by trade, his real true love was always music. Thank you for everything, Mr. Stewart!

29/07/2024

The New Birth - It's Been a Long Time
https://youtu.be/ar4UkBrZwpM?si=OY5PQn2WTy3ZuNz3

It's Been a Long Time

℗ 1973 RCA Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment

Released on: 1973-10-01

Conductor, Arranger, Composer, Lyricist: James Baker
Composer, Lyricist: Melvin Wilson
Producer: Fuqua III Productions
Engineer: Jim Crotty

29/07/2024

Today Marks The 47th Anniversary of Rose Royce’s Sophomore Studio Album “In Full Bloom” Originally Released on July 29, 1977.

“In Full Bloom” is the second album released by American funk band Rose Royce on the Whitfield Records on July 1977.

The album peaked at #1 on the U.S. Billboard Top Soul LPs chart and #9 on the U.S. Billboard Top LPs chart.

Four songs were released as singles from the album "Do Your Dance", "It Makes You Feel Like Dancin'", "Ooh Boy" and "Wishing on a Star".

"Do Your Dance” peaked at #4 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Singles chart, #20 on the U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs chart and at #39 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

"It Makes You Feel Like Dancin'" reached #20 on the U.S. Billboard Dance Club Songs chart.

"Ooh Boy" peaked at #3 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Singles chart and at #72 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

"Wishing on a Star" reached #52 on the U.S. Billboard R&B Singles chart and at #101 just beneath the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

The album was produced by Norman Whitfield.

The album was remastered and reissued with bonus tracks in 2016 by Big Break Records.

Track-listing

1. Wishing on a Star
2. You Can't Please Everybody
3. Ooh Boy
4. Do Your Dance
5. You're My World Girl
6. Love, More Love
7. Funk Factory
8. It Makes You Feel Like Dancin
9. Do Your Dance (Part 1)
10. Ooh Boy" (Single version)
11. Wishing on a Star (Single version)
12. It Makes You Feel Like Dancin' (Single version)

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

29/07/2024

29/07/2024

Today Marks The 43rd Anniversary of The Time’s Debut Self-Titled Album “The Time” Originally Released on July 29, 1981.

“The Time” is the 1981 debut studio album by Minneapolis funk rock band The Time released in 1981 by Warner Bros. Records.

The album peaked at #7 on the US Billboard Top Soul LPs chart and at #50 on the US Billboard Top LPs & Tape chart.

Three singles came from the album: "Get It Up", "Cool" and "Girl", with the first two charting within the top ten on the R&B charts.

"Get It Up" peaked at #6 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B singles chart and at #16 on the U.S. Billboard Club Dance Song chart.

“Cool” peaked at #7 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B singles chart and at #16 on the U.S. Billboard Club Dance Song chart and at #90 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100.

“Girl” reached #49 on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B singles chart.

The album was largely produced and arranged by Prince, credited as Jamie Starr, Morris Day was the only musician from the band who contributed to the album’s recording process.

The album was certified gold in the United States by the RIAA selling 500,000^ copies.

The original LP and singles gave no writer credits, only stating that "All Jams Published by Tionna Music". However, all compositions were registered with ASCAP, and the writer credits are derived from that source.

Track-listing

All tracks written by Prince unless where noted.

1. Get It Up
2. Girl
3. After Hi School (Dez Dickerson)
4. Cool
5. Oh, Baby
6. The Stick (Prince, Lisa Coleman)

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology.

28/07/2024

Today Marks The 40th Anniversary of Prince’s Debut Film Rock Musical “Purple Rain” Originally Released in Theaters on July 27, 1984.

“Purple Rain” is a 1984 American rock musical drama film scored by and starring Prince in his acting debut alongside his band The Revolution.

The film’s plot is about a young musician, tormented by an abusive situation at home, must contend with a rival singer, a burgeoning romance, and his own dissatisfied band, as his star begins to rise.

The cast features singer actress Apollonia Kotero, Morris Day, Jerome Benton, Olga Karlatos and Clarence Williams III.

The film also features performances by Prince’s Protégé groups The Time, Apollonia 6 and his former guitarist Dez Dickerson.

The film was directed by Albert Magnoli, who later became Prince's manager, from a screenplay by Magnoli and William Blinn.

Purple Rain was supported with its soundtrack album of the same name, which featured two US chart-topping singles, "When Doves Cry" and "Let's Go Crazy", as well as the number-two hit "Purple Rain".

The film was commercially successful, grossing $68,392,977 in the United States.

Purple Rain grossed $70.3 million worldwide, against its $7.2 million budget.

The film won an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score. Publications and critics have regarded Purple Rain as one of the greatest musical films.

After Prince's death on April 21, 2016, Purple Rain was screened in cinemas throughout the world, including widely in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and on hundreds of screens across the United States. Several TV stations also aired it, including MTV and VH1.

In 2019, the film was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the United States National Film Registry for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".

By Romie Rome for Musique Funkology

27/07/2024

Released this month in 1979: MASTERJAM, by Rufus and Chaka, produced by Quincy Jones. It would top the Billboard R&B Albums Chart and peak at #14 on the Billboard Pop Albums Chart. The album's lead single, "Do You Love What You Feel" peaked at #1 on the Billboard R&B Singles Chart and #30 on the Hot 100. MASTERJAM has been certified Gold by the RIAA. What are your favorite tracks from MASTERJAM?

27/07/2024

Shalimar - Take Me To The River
https://youtu.be/CQfRzzcXF0U?si=pxqK4gaer3pVYaH9

Big Fun

℗ 1979 Unidisc Music Inc.

Released on: 1979-01-01

Producer: Leon f. Sylvers iii
Main Artist: Shalamar
Composer: Dick Griffey
Author: Dick Griffey
Composer: Leon f. Sylvers iii
Author: Leon f. Sylvers iii
Music Publisher: Notting Dale Songs Inc.
Music Publisher: Sony/ATV Tunes LLC.

26/07/2024

Starpoint - All Night Long
https://youtu.be/Fg8UGF0LeSY?si=YZMq_8T7Rc9aU2tX

All Night Long

℗ A Republic Records Release; ℗ 1982 UMG Recordings, Inc.

Released on: 1982-01-01

Associated Performer, Recording Arranger: Starpoint
Associated Performer, String Arranger: Thor Baldursson
Associated Performer, Background Vocalist, Bass Guitar, Percussion, Synthesizer: Orlando M. Phillips
Associated Performer, Background Vocalist, Drums, Percussion: Gregory Phillips
Associated Performer, Vocals, Guitar, Percussion, Synthesizer: Ernesto Phillips
Associated Performer, Vocals: Renee Diggs
Associated Performer, Vocals, Percussion, Synthesizer: George McKenzie Phillips Jr.
Associated Performer, Recording Arranger, Producer, Studio Personnel, Mixer: Lionel Job
Composer Lyricist: Ernesto Phillips
Composer Lyricist: Renee Diggs

25/07/2024

Billy Cobham - Real Funk Featuring: Buddy Miles
https://youtu.be/2lEfYEJPLuM?si=4vI_lhdiHoll8gSO

Drum 'n' Voice 2

℗ Nicolosiproductions/soul Trade

Released on: 2015-01-01

Billy Cobham · G. N. Nicolosi · B. Mile

25/07/2024

🥳 🥳 🥳 Happy Birthday to the legendary FIRE of Earth, Wind & Fire, Verdine White Send him your love today.
📸

25/07/2024

This is the Official ConFunkShun page managed by Founder Michael Cooper and the CFS team.