Give It Up or Turn It Loose

Recorded in 1968 by James Brown and his touring band during the period when Brown was refining the rhythmic blueprint of funk. The original single featured key contributions from drummer Clyde Stubblefield and Brown's road-tested ensemble. Released as a standalone single, the record became one of the clearest statements of Brown's emerging funk style, shifting emphasis from melody to interlocking rhythm. It was a major R&B hit and helped establish the groove-oriented approach that would define the genre. The track's drum breaks and rhythm patterns became foundational source material for hip-hop producers and breakbeat culture. The 1969 live version on Sex Machine, featuring an extended Clyde Stubblefield performance, is regarded as one of the most influential funk recordings ever made.