In 1965, when “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” dropped, the world didn’t just get a new song; it got a whole new groove. As a DJ raised on the blues by my dad, Poppa BamBam, this record was more than just something to play—it was something I truly felt. It changed how I heard rhythm and understood soul, shaping the way I spin records from that moment on. If you’re talking music, you have to mention James Brown—the Get Down King.
My dad taught me that music should move you, not just physically but spiritually. When I first heard that punchy guitar riff, those blazing horns, and James calling out, “come here, sister…” it hit me. This wasn’t just blues or soul; it was the future. James Brown was inventing funk right then and there, making rhythm the star of the show. It was groundbreaking.
This track broke all the rules. Brown chopped up the beat, pushed the one-count to the front, and let the band breathe with stabs and syncopation. “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” wasn’t just a hit; it was a manifesto. It opened the door to funk, hip-hop, and breakbeats. Its impact is still felt today.
As a DJ who still learns from Poppa BamBam, I love dropping this track into my sets. It lights up the airwaves and the dance floor. It’s timeless. Every time I spin it, I think of my dad nodding along, saying, “Now that’s how you do it.” It’s more than a song; it’s a legacy and a reminder that music matters. And James Brown made sure we all knew it.
