Beware (The Funk Is Everywhere)

• Artist: Afrika Bambaataa
• Rating:
• Release Date: 1986
• Genre: Rap

Review

A semi-remarkable album from Afrika Bambaataa, following up on the success of Planet Rock. This one has less full-fledged anthems, but what's here isn't bad at all. "Bambaataa's Theme" uses his trademark mix of electronic backings and heavier beats. "Tension" slows down and softens with female vocal leads. "Rock America" and the cover of MC5's "Kick out the Jams" are closer stylistically to Planet Rock, with added guitar riffs throughout. On side B, he moves into more straightforward old school rap and beat-laden grooves immersed completely in the funk tradition, including "Bionic Kats," a knockoff of "Atomic Dog." For Bambaataa fans, this album is certainly a worthwhile addition. For those wishing for a basic introduction or a more comprehensive look at the ridiculously wide breadth of Bambaataa's music, the Planet Rock album or Tommy Boy's greatest-hits compilation (Looking for the Perfect Beat) would probably be in order. ~ Adam Greenberg, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Bambaataa's Theme (Assault on Precinct 13)		Afrika Bambaataa	(5:05)
Tension		Afrika Bambaataa	(5:18)
Rock America		Afrika Bambaataa	(5:53)
Kick out the James	Rob Tyner, Wayne Kramer, Fred "Sonic" Smith, Dennis Thompson, Michael Davis	Afrika Bambaataa	(6:17)
Funk Jam Party		Afrika Bambaataa	(5:47)
Funk You		Afrika Bambaataa	(6:49)
Bionic Kats		Afrika Bambaataa	(4:36)
What Time Is It		Afrika Bambaataa	(5:58)
Beware (The Funk Is Everywhere) [Silent Version]		Afrika Bambaataa	(0:21)

Credits

Bill Laswell (Producer), Keith LeBlanc (Producer), Gavin Christopher (Producer), Michael Jonzun (Producer), Afrika Bambaataa (Main Performer), Afrika Bambaataa (Performer), Skip McDonald (Producer), Doug Wimbish (Producer), Eric Calvi (Producer), Monica Lynch (Art Direction), Steven Miglio (Design), Steven Miglio (Illustrations)