By sweeneykovar | May 12th, 2012
Dam-Funk is a G. The L.A. native has played a pivotal role in resurrecting electronic funk, boogie and various other sub-genres that have not had the kind of shine they enjoy now since the days of Egyptian Lover and Arabian Prince.
Though the foreigner might take a gander at the perm, locs and dress and brand D-F a banger, the maestro of funk is one of the nicest, most peaceful dudes you’ll encounter out in the Los Angeles nightlife. He founded Funkmosphere, a weekly in L.A. that has served as a hub for the various lineages of funk Dam constantly champions. Supremely humble and level-headed, Dam is a shining example of perseverance — he’s been making music since the 80s.
This joint we’re streaming, “Serious,” is a bit of a departure from Dam’s usual modus operandi. This track, an instrumental, finds the funk ubiquitous in all his work fusing with jazz structures. Personally, though I obviously respect the funk and its role in shaping the music I am so attached to, I’ve always leaned a bit more towards the jazz aspect of hip hop so finding this unorthodox gem is quite a treat. Hope it is so for you as well.