Unfortified Castle

Simply put, it's N.E.R.D — that says more than any genre label.

Gil Scott-Heron took on a decidedly different perspective from the Last Poets in his response to "When the Revolution Comes."

Kali Uchis and Tyler, the Creator provide the former feeling, while the latter comes from the space bassist, Bootsy Collins himself.

...especially considering the halftime's West Coast hip hop theme perfectly matched the game's outcome.

Kendrick Lamar's funky 2015 single remains a personal favorite for a slew of reasons, many of which come back to what I like in older music.

I got hooked on Yves Tumor's sound from this track alone and the complex internal war it captures.

Cameo unload a widespread critique of those in power over the lies they tell with their signature, hard-hitting funk.

Even with its title and sporting usage, Kool & the Gang's signature song embodies a more laidback form of celebrating.

His accomplishments are visible throughout one of the Gap Band's signature and most evergreen songs.

The path between Talking Heads and Mariah Carey is surprisingly straight. And oh, isn't it fitting to talk about Mariah today of all days?

...well, I'm writing about this song and band for the first time, but the theme of love and desire is nothing new for me or music at large.

It doesn't get more 60s than how the Friends of Distinction spun an instrumental classic. And how do Zambia and Jim Brown each play a part?

At least now we know what it's about.

On the day most associated with the group, I just had to write about them — but I had to do it my way.

On a down day where little seemed to go right for me, a healthy dose of house-like funk temporarily lifted my spirits.

Eric Burdon and War prove to be the perfect soundtrack for a lazy weekend day near the start of the school year.