Search - Various Artists :: Strange Funky Games & Things

Do you ever wonder where the inimitable sound of 21st century R&B and rap comes from, with its Hollywood sheen, smoky-voiced divas, sassy lyrics and sleek yet oh-so-sexy beats? Fusing elements of rare groove, funk, 70s breakbeat and lush romantic soul; it's strange yet funky, commercial yet spiritual, a reflection of what has gone before, but nevertheless entirely fresh and new. From Beyonce to Snoop Dogg, Mary J. to Missy, what are the roots of this sound, and who are its originators? The "Strange Games..." series holds some of the answers. A fascinating musical biography of the evolution of R&B and rap, this continuing album project delves into the back catalogue of rare groove, soul, funk and disco to find the tunes that have counted in sculpting the perfect silhouette of today's R&B and hip-hop. Its selection of classics that have influenced and - through covers and samples - helped to assemble the modern R&B sound reveals the missing links between 70s soul, the 80s London rare groove revival and our slickly commercial modern product. Strange Funky Games and Things continues the quest to trace the sensual and soulful roots of today's ultra-modern grooves. Simply lie back, listen and let the music do the talking, as favorites like Donald Byrd's "Loving You" and Monty Alexander's "Love and Happiness" take you on a voyage of discovery into the vaults of funked-up bliss.