Clyde “Funky Drummer” Stubblefield, whose rhythm patterns are embedded in Hip Hop’s DNA, passed away from kidney failure on Saturday (February 18).
As the drummer for James Brown, he was behind one of Hip Hop’s most sampled songs, 1970s’ “Funky Drummer,” which has been used on classics like Public Enemy’s “Fight The Power” and “Bring The Noise,” LL Cool J’s “Mama Said Knock You Out,” Dr. Dre’s “Let Me Ride,” and N.W.A’s “Fuck Tha Police.”
WhoSampled.com lists 1366 songs that sample the track.
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Naturally, the Hip Hop community paid respects to the late, great beat machine, including Scarface, DJ Scratch, Biz Markie, Questlove, Chuck D, Sage Francis, Atmosphere, De La Soul’s Maseo, Cut Chemist, and Pharoahe Monch, among others.
RIP.. RT @PublicEnemyFTP: R.I.P. to the 'funky drummer' – Clyde Stubblefield – from the entire PE family. pic.twitter.com/MfwNAkT1PR
— SCARFACE (@BrotherMob) February 19, 2017
RIP Clyde Stubblefield. The Man who played the drum pattern that created Hip Hop. (Funky Drummer) #GOAT
— Turntable Whisperer (@DJScratch) February 18, 2017
The Funky Funkiest Drummer Of All Time. Clyde Stubblefield thank you for everything you've… https://t.co/HPyNCiX6A9
— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) February 18, 2017
R.I.P. Clyde Stubblefield one of the baddest drummers in Funk,Soul, and R&B
— DJ Maseo; DE LA SOUL (@DeLaSoulsDugout) February 18, 2017
Rest In Peace Clyde Stubblefield. #clydestubblefield#soul#hiphop#pocket#church#funkpic.twitter.com/88qPzFxZsC
— PHAROAHE MONCH (@pharoahemonch) February 19, 2017
The Most Sampled Groove in the World: Clyde Stubblefield – John "Jabo" S… https://t.co/x70adC1pAu
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) February 19, 2017
give the drummer some.
rest in peace Clyde Stubblefield
— dadmosphere (@atmosphere) February 19, 2017
RIP the OG Funky Drummer Clyde Stubblefield. ?
This one hurts.
— Just Blaze (@JustBlaze) February 18, 2017
RIP Clyde Stubblefield, who created the hip-hop breakbeat, defined funky drumming, cold sweating, obscene soul, and everything else. pic.twitter.com/yfRr4uWUph
— Otto Von Biz Markie (@Passionweiss) February 18, 2017
RIP Clyde Stubblefield. There isn't an emcee worth their weight in dookie gold chains who hasn't represented over the Funky Drummer break.
— Sage Francis (@SageFrancis) February 19, 2017