With a career spanning nearly six decades, Bootsy Collins has been revered as one of the pioneers and torchbearers of funk music. His latest project, Album of the Year #1 Funkateer, serves as proof that he has no signs of slowing down any time soon.
Reflecting on his musical journey with CLASSIX’s Niecey Shaw, Bootsy shares how he was intentional with his creativity and his efforts to stand out from the crowd. “When I said I wanted to be different, I really wanted to be different,” he explains.
“I wanted to always prove that I had a signature thing. And that was before branding. I didn’t know nothing about no branding. You know I’m straight off the street. I don’t know nothing about that…my whole thing was music and entertaining people.”
After decades of entertaining the masses, his mission to unite the people is clear with this new project. “Well, I wanted to just show how we can all come together and do something together. We have to coexist,” he says while discussing the new album.
“You know, we have to look at it like we’re all involved. I want to bring everybody together to this party, you know? And that’s what the funk is all about, you know, that’s what I’m all about…”
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It is that mindset that Collins shares with the next generation. With appearances from Snoop Dogg, October London, Ice Cube, and more on the new album, the funk icon is enthusiastic to share the spotlight with those who came after him…as long as they have the talent to back it up.
“The young people for me, if they are talented, you know, they’re the ones that need to be pushed up,” he explains. “Ain’t nobody seeing the real talent, you know. And for me, that’s what I’m here for.”
As far as to how he wants to be remembered when it’s all said and done, the answer is simple: “He’s abnormal. He’s living in another frequency while he’s in the flesh…but he knows he’s a spirit from the One.”
Album of the Year #1 Funkateer is now available on all DSPs.
