Clyde Stubblefield has died today, at age 73, a Godfather of Hip Hop!!

Clyde Stubblefied has passed away, a talented, disciplined, and natural drummer. He attained fame working for James Brown, known for his strict relationship with his band. He improvised and created unique and catchy beats with “Cold Sweat” and “Funky Drummer.”

He had a profound influence on the era changing Hip Hop Music and culture. He was known as the “Original Funky Drummer.” He states he joined James Brown in 1965.

NWA, Sinead O’Conner, Prince, and many others lifted or created variations on his work. He never received credit or payment from such use. If anything the record companies received payment.

James Brown built “I Don’t Care” over the Stubblefied drum rhythm.

At a little over five minutes on Funky Drummer one can appreciate the beginning of  Hip Hop, no doubt about it.  Toward the seventh minute we get James Brown with some rapping.

Stubblefield also worked on “Give it Up or Turn It Loose.”