The Emperor Has No Clones by Michael Clip Payne’s 420 Funk Mob is a work of art and a labor of love. When I expressed to Clip how much I loved it his response was “It’s the band”.
This project consists of four bassists, nine guitarists, four drummers, four horn players, four percussionists, six keyboardists, nineteen vocalists, six engineers and two mastering engineers. The fourteen songs were Created in hotel rooms, home and studios all around the world. Recorded on the P Funk Tour bus, Paris, Fr., Oakland, Ca. Detroit, Mi, and Woodstock, NY. Written by Michael William Payne aka Clip and eighteen other writers. Deceased, beloved members of Parliament Funkadelic on this album are Garry Shider, Cordell Boogie Mosson and Amp Fiddler. The beloved living are George Clinton, Lige Curry, Danny Bedrosian, Garrett Shider, Alumni members (you can’t leave the mob) RonKat Spearman, Shaunna Hall, Gabe Gonzalez, Paul Hill, Kim Manning, Patavian Lewis, and Andre Foxxe along with a dozen more recording artists. Michael Clip Payne and Michael Johnson are the executive producers and all of this talent is the “band” and apart of the Emperor Has No Clones. The result is an authentic, funky, prolific and fantastic work by the 420 Funk Mob.
“There’s something about the music”. For me when I hear new music my requirements are to see if I can listen to each song all the way through without pressing next? Will I leave it on my playlist for the foreseeable future? Does it keep me happy while driving through annoying city traffic? And finally will I want to hoola hoop to it for at least 20 minutes or beyond?
Basquiat (G.Clinton) is a thirty second ditty, There are a few of these ditties sprinkled throughout the album and they add a refreshing ‘TaDa’ when you don’t expect one.
Prizefight (C.Marco, W.Payne, L.Curry) is a beautiful example of the musicianship that is the 420 Funk Mob. It reminds me of the magic of a P Funk sound check.
Pleasure & Pain (G.Clinton, M.Hampton, RK.Spearman, P.Hill) The Guitars the Vocals, the Groove, this is funkadelic.
More Dogs Sit (G.Clinton, W.Payne) A 51 second ditty. Imagine Atomic Dog in a jazz club with some of his nasty dog friends smoking and drinking cocktails.
Flirt (W.Payne, G.Clinton) This is the first single on the album. “It’s another dog song” If you’re a fan of innuendo this is a prime example. I have loved this song for a long time. One of my favorite songs played by 420 or GCPF in concert. Now we have it anytime we want to hear it…
(Available on all platforms)
The Egg (D.Bedrosian) a 30 second ditty with some sound advice.
Estimated Prophet (Bob Weir, John Barlow) If there isn’t a ska/funk there is one now. This has a really positive vibe and message. I’m loving the lyrics and the music I think you will probably find yourself dancing to this with no worries.
You Make Me Feel (H.Sadjhi, W.Payne) One of my personal FAVORITES on the CD, One of the most enjoyable heartbreak songs ever written, Pain and rejection can be fun! it makes me feel so good. I love the piano, the vocals the horns, and the lyrics are very relatable. I hope this is single #2.
Up South (G.Shider, W.Payne) A beautiful, soulful instrumental. The Guitar is the star of this song. Garry Shider and Clip Payne’s musical and personal kinship shines in this laid back funky musical experience.
Pretty Girl (I.Van Amersfoort, W.Payne, S.Kirsch) This tune swings, the horns, piano, keys drums and vocals are infectious. Finger snapping Funk.
Slaves (W.Burke, W.Payne) A 1 minute ditty with a retro feel. Slaves to the rhythm and to the system with soul power.
To Good To Be True (I.Van Amersfoort, W.Payne, L.Curry) Classic Funky love(ish) song. This track is one that had my head bopping.
The Wake (J.deBack, C.Marco, W.Payne) A simply beautiful instrumental to honor our loved ones who now Rest in P., quite a few of them are on this album. It’s a touching song, it’s not necessarily a sad song. It’s a dreamy and thought provoking song that says to me it’s okay to grieve and smile at the same time.
Keep Your Eye On The Prize (L.Curry, G.Shider, W.Payne) The finale’, a trip to church, funky, uplifting and beautifully produced vocals. A great finish to a great funky musical journey.
I believe you will listen to each song without pressing next. You’ll keep it on your playlist for a long time. What gridlock? While listening in your car all traffic will melt away, And, wow I’ve been hoola hooping for almost an hour.
The Emperor Has No Clones passed all of my requirements with flying colors. I am pretty sure that they will pass your musical enjoyment requirements as well.
Available at: https://www.wefunknation.com/shop