G-funk, also known as
G funk, is an interesting mixture of
funk and
gangsta rap. Supposedly created by
Dr. Dre on the album
The Chronic, G-funk is an new spin on the sounds of the
Parliament and other classic
funk. The Chronic was characterized by a mix of laid-back
synth sounds,
deep bass, and sometimes female backing
vocals. Other G-funk includes most of these elements.
Key works incorporating G-Funk include Dogg Food by Tha Dogg Pound, Doggystyle by Snoop Doggy Dogg, Dr. Dre Presents the Aftermath, and above all, Regulate...G Funk Era by Warren G.
On the first track of Warren G's Regulate, the basic sounds and concepts of G-Funk are laid down. Regulate's lyrics say
funk / on a whole new level / the rhythm is the bass and the bass is the treble / chords / strings / we brings / melody / G-Funk / where rhythm is life / and life is rhythm... it's the G-Funk era / funked out with a gangster twist / if you smoke like I smoke / then you high like every day / and if your ass is a buster / 213 will regulate.
G-Funk has a wonderful laid-back
badass theme to it. Central ideas to G-Funk are
weed,
cruisin',
women and
regulating, keeping people in line like the cool
gangsta you are. G-Funk seems more mellow, groovy and cool than
gangsta rap. Perfect
cruisin' music, no doubt.