Nicofasho and Amino’s single, Live From The Funktion, grabbed me at first listen. With booming bass and rolling snares, the song lumbers along with gusto. A distorted soul sample with a low pass filter loops in the background, producing a hazy drone. Through the haze shines the charismatic Nicofasho’s lyrics about growing up in southern California, bolstered by phat G-funk synthesizers that cut through the mix.
The music carried me into the back of a Chrysler Newport, riding low with my squad around Los Angeles one warm evening. The sun sets over the ocean; its dwindling rays casting pink hues across the surrounding mountains, deep purples settling into each mountain depression. Letting my arm hang out the window, the breeze feels soft and warm on my skin as we drive down the street. The song echoes the moment: sitting with friends and reminiscing about what brought you together, what you want, and how you are the best person to get it. There is a levity and pride to Nicofasho, Jay Worthy, and G Perico’s lyrics about growing up and doing what they love. Themes about authenticity or “realness” are explored by the charismatic MCs trading verses over the beat’s melodic “slumping.”
“Get live from the funktion, let the beat keep slumping!” The chorus is catchy, with Nicofasho emphasizing the words “functioooooon” and “slumping” to drag each lyric over the rolling beat. Each MC complements each other, too, with Nicofasho’s voice filling the mid range, followed by Jay’s deeper tones, then G Perico’s high pitched barks. I picture that the crew recorded these lyrics after an evening cruising; they entered the studio, laughing and sketching improvisations on their phones. The delivery of the lyrics reminds me of the freestyling I did with my college friends—we had no aspirations of rocking the world with thought provoking lyrics. Instead, we spent the night listening to, and laughing at, each other spit off the cuff rhymes with bravado; a great way to wind down after a stressful day. I enjoy the stories and perspectives each MC brings, though references to freeing friends from prison and getting shot on live news give me pause.
I did not grow up on the west coast. But the trunk-knocking G-Funk-inspired beat and laid-back charisma brought by the crew are beguiling, and made me feel their camaraderie. Please support these artists! I’m excited to see their catalog grow, and escape into the infectiously fun and easy going vibes they create.
The song ends abruptly. I get out of the car and tap the side a few times before entering the house. See you tomorrow, same time.
– Evan
Edited by: Seán Pierce