Born in South Central Los Angeles California and raised in the West Adams district, B-Funk then migrated to a neighbourhood in North Carolina named Supply. His childhood consisted of enjoying house parties, playing video games, and going to school. All the while, funk was integral to his life. He started his music career in 2008 at the age of 13.
The alternate shadow of producer and artist Ben Gilbert, B-Funk fuses funky synthesizers, bells, percussion, effects, and whatever his mind can think of. He's a blend of West Coast Hip-Hop, Southern Hip-Hop, Funk, R&B, and Alternative music. He's influenced by bands like Roger & Zapp, Cameo, The S.O.S Band, and Mtume. He's also inspired by artists like DāM-FunK, Ice Cube, Nipsey Hussle, Too $hort, and E-40.
B-Funk, it’s a pleasure to chat to you here at CFM!
Thank you for having me.
Firstly, who is B-Funk?
B-Funk is a 27 year old recording artist, audio engineer, beatmaker, and producer from South Central Los Angeles.
What’s the music scene like where you’re based?
It's pretty much non-existent where I'm at. I only know of 3 artists where I'm at that does music.
For someone who’s never heard your music, which song of yours is the best introduction to you?
I couldn't give you a single song because I tap into all kinds of genres, but some introductory songs are Cant Lose the Funk, Talkin' Shit, Purple Waves, Make You Dance, and Where's Marvin.
If you could be the main support for any living artist, who would that be for and why?
Ice Cube for sure. Cube is my favorite Hip-Hop artists of all-time. To be able to help him by opening up for his shows, or tapping him in with the younger artists coming out of the city will be great.
Has funk music always been integral to your life?
Yeah yeah. From Zapp and Roger, Cameo, and S.O.S. Band. Definitely P-Funk too.
What artists have you been listening to during all these lockdowns?
I've been listening to artists like myself, Drakeo The Ruler, AzChike, AzSwaye, 1TakeJay, Yhung T.O, Larry June, and Dam-Funk.
What’s the meaning behind your latest single ‘Make You Dance’?
There's no crazy explanation. I just wanted to make something for people to dance to. To help forget about their problems.
What can we expect from you for the rest of the year?
I'm planning to drop a project in the summer. Gonna do more collaborations. I want to go home and perform at least once.