Rex Garvin & The Mighty Cravers / King Curtis - Sock It To 'Em JB (Pt.1) / Memphis Soul Stew

Year Released: 1966 / 1967
Genre: Funk / R&B / Instrumental Soul

Description:
A powerhouse double-sider pairing two iconic funk anthems. “Sock It To ’Em JB (Pt.1)” by Rex Garvin & The Mighty Cravers is a driving, horn-heavy funk workout that pays homage to James Brown’s groove-driven style while keeping a raw, garage-like edge. On the flip, King Curtis’ “Memphis Soul Stew” is a legendary instrumental soul groove, breaking down each instrument like ingredients in a recipe — bass, drums, horns, and organ, each entering with funky precision.

Sampling / Influence:
Both tracks are cornerstones of the funk canon:

“Memphis Soul Stew” has been sampled by De La Soul (“A Roller Skating Jam Named ‘Saturdays’”) and Beastie Boys (“Shadrach”), as well as appearing in multiple film soundtracks.

“Sock It To ’Em JB” became a mod and Northern Soul floor-filler, revived during the UK’s rare groove boom and often featured in DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist live sets.
Together, they represent the transition from R&B to hard funk, foundational to both the DJ and hip-hop sampling era.