Aretha Franklin - Rock Steady / Oh Me Oh My (I'm A Fool For You Baby)

Year Released: 1971
Genre: Funk / Soul / Breakbeat

Description:

“Rock Steady,” released on Atlantic in 1971, is one of Aretha Franklin’s funkiest recordings — anchored by Bernard Purdie’s legendary drums, Donny Hathaway’s clavinet, and Chuck Rainey’s deep bassline.

The track’s drum break and bass groove have become iconic sampling material, most famously forming the backbone of Mos Def’s “Ms. Fat Booty” (1999). Its irresistibly syncopated rhythm has also appeared in works by Heavy D & The Boyz, Dr. Dre, and The X-Ecutioners, cementing it as one of the most influential Aretha grooves in hip-hop history.