Deep funk

Deep funk is a subgenre of funk music which features a "hard, lean" sound and emphasis on groove, improvisation, and musicianship over traditional songwriting. The term is also used to describe rare funk recordings sought out by collectors and DJs. Artists such as James Brown and the Meters were basic reference points for the style.

Deep funk later saw increased popularity due to hip hop producers seeking out new material to sample, as well as in the British rare groove and Northern soul scenes. Though most deep funk was originally released on 45s, modern releases by labels such as Goldmine, BBE, and Stones Throw, as well as DJ Keb Darge's compilations of deep funk, have helped usher the style into the CD age.