THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

340-Funkadelic-(Not Just) Knee Deep.

1979-Has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 6.59. The ‘Freak’ in the song is name of a dance, and like ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ it has that naughty double entendre interpretation.

The mastermind behind Funkadelic is George Clinton who was born on July 22nd, 1941, in Kannapolis, North Carolina, United States. In 1955 he co-founded the ‘Doo-Wop’ group ‘The Parliaments’ who were originally based on ‘Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers (see also best songs 250.) Over the years ‘The Parliaments’ sound developed with the adding of Soul, R&B, Rock, and Funk, they remained active until 1969. Due to contractual problems with his record label, and in order to continue recording for other labels Clinton was forced to change the bands name, it was the bassist Billy ‘Bass’ Nelson’ who coined the new name ‘Funkadelic.'(see also best songs 26.) Clinton didn’t just form the Rock and Funk orientated Funkadelic, he also simultaneously formed the Funk, R&B, and Psychedelic Soul outfit Parliament as well (see also best songs 612 and 143.) Clinton who would work with many differing musicians released Albums with both acts, with Parliament releasing nine studio Albums between 1970-1980, with a 10th Album ‘Medicaid Fraud Dogg’ issued in 2018, their first in 38 years, while his sister act Funkadelic released 13 studio Albums between 1970-1981, there has also been a 14th studio Album issued in 2014 called ‘First Ya Gotta Shake the Gate,’ the first new material under the Funkadelic banner in 33 years.

‘(Not Just) Knee Deep’ was taken from Funkadelic’s 10th studio Album ‘Uncle Jam Wants You,’ and at 15 minutes and 21 seconds is one of the longest songs on this countdown, when released as a single it was edited down to 4 minutes and 25 seconds. The song was produced by George Clinton, and although Clinton is down as the songs writer, vocalist Philippe Wynne also received royalties according to the songs publishers. Wynne (1941-1984) prior to joining the Funkadelic collective had been a member of the Spinners (known in the UK as the Detroit Spinners) (see also best songs 834) during their time at Atlantic Records, until 1977. Other musicians who played a big part in the making of the song included Junie Morrison (1954-2017) who was the tracks arranger, Booty Collins (see also best songs 850-612-143 and 88) who played the drums, and Michael Hampton who provided the tracks critically acclaimed guitar solo.

(‘Not Just) Knee Deep’ is just one of the Funkadelic tracks that have been sampled on many occasions, particularly noteworthy is the 1989 UK Number 22 hit single by the Hip-Hop trio De La Soul (see also best songs 444 and 246) with their song ‘Me Myself and I.’ Many other artists including The Black Eyed Peas and Tone Loc have sampled the track. Dr Dre’s use of Funkadelic samples has also led to them becoming a big influence in the genre of ‘Gangsta Rap.’

(‘Not Just) Knee Deep’ is the tale of a guy meeting a girl at a club. He sees her dancing to the ‘Monkey,’ the ‘Chicken,’ and the ‘Jerk,’ but he is besotted by her after she ‘busts’ her moves to ‘The Freak.”

The girl is a freak, the girl never misses a beat. Not just knee deep, she was totally deep, when she did the freak with me.’