fbpx ;

A Funk Playlist to FBG You Up!

Even though it’s been A Lot of Years since I last played varsity basketball, I still vividly remember listening to songs all year long and keeping an ear out for the perfect tune with which to lead off our warm-up mix tape. I mean, whatever song you chose to have blaring from the high school gymnasium speakers had to send a message, not just to the opposing team (although that was good), but also to your own players. It had to pump you up, get your heart racing, help you get your head in the game.

And I realized the other day that, if I were putting that mix tape together today, I’d be leading off with Uptown Funk. I can’t get enough of it — it’s too hot! (Hot damn.) But, that’s not a huge surprise — I’ve been drawn to funk for years. That’s part of what drew me to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and didn’t everyone go through a George Clinton phase? (Okay, maybe not everyone … but I never got into reggae, so I guess there’s probably some give and take there.)

Anyway, given the fact that Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars are everywhere right now, I figured I’d share a super funky playlist incorporating funk and funk-infused beats, both current and past. Check ’em out, son — you might just discover your new favorite song!

funk playlist

The FBG Funk-tastic Workout Playlist

Warm-up
(4:14) Got To Give It Up, Marvin Gaye: This song is as perfect for kicking off a cocktail party as it is for kicking off a workout. Use it as you see best!

Funk It Up
(4:30) Uptown Funk, Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars: If we’re basing a playlist on it, it only makes sense to start things off with the song, right? Take your warm-up up a notch and keep raising your heart rate.

(3:42) Higher Ground, Stevie Wonder: The moment that bass drops, so should you — get in some squats and fire up those legs!

( 4:42) Atomic Dog, George Clinton: Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre fans might find parts of this rather familiar, and even if you don’t, you’re certain to dig this tune. Take advantage of the melody and get in some bigger, slow movements using your full body.

(3:45) Kiss, Prince: If you can keep yourself from making smoochie faces and noises during the chorus of this song, you’re stronger than I am.

(5:09) (Not Just) Knee Deep, Funkadelic: Even if you don’t recognize the title of this song, I’d bet my fit bottom that the first few chords will sound familiar.

(3:52) She’s a Bad Mama Jama, Carl Carlton: She is a bad mama jama, fo’ sho’, and you know what? So are you. Get it, girl.

(3:47) Fantastic Voyage, Lakeside: No, Coolio didn’t come up with this jam, and it could be argued that the original fantastic voyage was the smoothest. Aww, yeah.

(3:43) Boogie Shoes, K.C. and the Sunshine Band: Got your boogie shoes on? Good. Bust a move and get that sweat flowing.

(5:47) Flash light (12-inch version), Parliament: More George Clinton! Between songs released under his name and his two bands (Parliament and Funkadelic), the man made his mark on the world of funk and, of course, our workout playlist.

(4:03) Give It To Me Baby, Rick James: Last chance to go hard —make it count! And give it to … well, the treadmill or the weights or whatever it is you’re doing. You’ve got this!

Cool down
(4:07) If You Want Me to Stay, Red Hot Chili Peppers: Start slowing things down here bit by bit and get that heart rate down. You’ve earned a nice cool down!

(4:59) Strawberry Letter 23, The Brothers Johnson: Stretch it out, now. And if you recognize this as a certain one-hit wonder from the 90s, we should definitely hang.

Who out there is ready to give up the funk? I think my next long run is going to be nasty funky.Kristen

FTC disclosure: We often receive products from companies to review. All thoughts and opinions are always entirely our own. Unless otherwise stated, we have received no compensation for our review and the content is purely editorial. Affiliate links may be included. If you purchase something through one of those links we may receive a small commission. Thanks for your support!

Comments

2 Comments
  1. Jennifer says:

    One of my spin students was just requesting I add a little more funk so this is perfect! Thanks!

  2. Michelle says:

    Will this be created on Spotify? I’m loving the playlists when I need a bit of variety in my workout. 🙂

Comments are closed.