Artist: Afrika Bambaataa & The Soul Sonic Force Album: Beware (The Funk Is Everywhere)

Year: 1986
Duration: 0:0-1

A of the Album: Beware (The Funk is Everywhere) by Afrika Bambaataa & The Soul Sonic Force

Afrika Bambaataa is an American DJ and musician who played a pivotal role in the emergence of hip hop and electro funk music in the 1980s. His most notable album, Beware (The Funk is Everywhere), released in 1986, stirred up a lot of excitement and controversy in the music industry. In this post, we’ll go over a brief history of Afrika Bambaataa, the music genre of the album, the best songs of the album, the most innovative parts, and finally, a critic to the album.
Afrika Bambaataa rose to fame in the late 1970s as the founder of the Zulu Nation, a collective of mostly African-American and Puerto Rican music enthusiasts who shared a love for hip hop. He became the pioneer of the genre of electro funk, which blends elements of funk, disco, and electronic music. His signature sound, characterized by robotic beats and futuristic synths, is showcased to full effect on Beware (The Funk is Everywhere).
The album, released in 1986, was a departure from Afrika Bambaataa’s earlier work. It features a more polished sound, with heavy use of synths and drum machines. However, despite the slick production, Beware (The Funk is Everywhere) still boasts Bambaataa’s trademark energy and funkiness. It’s clear from the first few seconds of the opening track, “Beware,” that this album is going to be an electro-funk onslaught.
Now let’s talk about the best songs on the album. The standout track is undoubtedly “Planet Rock,” a single that has become a classic of the electro-funk genre. Built around a sample of Kraftwerk’s “Trans-Europe Express,” “Planet Rock” is a groundbreaking fusion of hip hop and electronic music that still sounds fresh today. Another great song is “Frantic Situation,” a collaboration with fellow electro-funk pioneers, The Time Zone. Its infectious beats and catchy lyrics make it one of the album’s most danceable tracks.
The most innovative parts of the album are its use of samples and the incorporation of political themes. Afrika Bambaataa has always been known for his creative use of samples, and Beware (The Funk is Everywhere) is no exception. The album features samples from a wide range of sources, including James Brown, Malcolm X, and even Star Trek. Additionally, the album tackles issues such as racism and police brutality, making it a rare example of politically conscious electro-funk music.
Finally, let’s take a critical look at Beware (The Funk is Everywhere). While the album is undoubtedly a landmark in the history of hip hop and electro-funk, it’s not without its flaws. Some of the tracks, such as “Funky Heros” and “Who You Funkin' With?, are forgettable and lack the energy that characterizes the rest of the album. Additionally, the production can be a bit dated at times, with certain tracks sounding a bit too ‘80s for modern tastes.
In conclusion, Beware (The Funk is Everywhere) is a must-listen for anyone interested in the history of hip hop and electro-funk. It showcases some of Afrika Bambaataa’s most innovative work, with standout tracks like “Planet Rock” and “Frantic Situation” still sounding fresh and exciting today. However, the album isn’t perfect, with some forgettable tracks and dated production values. Nevertheless, Beware (The Funk is Everywhere) remains a vital part of the electro-funk canon and a testament to Afrika Bambaataa’s enduring influence on the genre.