single by James Brown

"Funky President (People It's Bad)" is a funk song by James Brown. Released as a single in 1974, it charted #4 R&B.[1] It also appeared on the album Reality. According to Brown the "funky president" of the song's title was meant to refer to U.S. President Gerald Ford, who had succeeded Richard Nixon in the White House shortly before it was recorded.[2]

"Funky President" is one of James Brown's most frequently sampled recordings. The most rhythmic portions of the song, namely the intro drum fill and wah-wah guitar have been used on dozens of hip hop tracks.

Personnel [ edit ]

James Brown - lead vocal

with studio band:

Other players, including brass and woodwinds, unknown.[3]

Sample Used [ edit ]

Appearances in other media [ edit ]

"Funky President" appears on the Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas soundtrack on the Master Sounds 98.3 station.

References [ edit ]