Album Review: Bootsy Collins – Album of the Year #1 Funkateer

Bootsy Collins has never been one to coast on his legacy. Decades after reshaping the sound of funk with James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic, the Cincinnati bass wizard is still pushing boundaries. Album of the Year #1 Funkateer is a vibrant, star-studded celebration of his deep catalog and its sprawling influence. At 73, Bootsy isn’t just reminiscing — he’s still innovating, still grooving, still Bootsy to the core.

The album plays like a grand reunion and futuristic experiment all at once. West Coast G-funk legends Daz Dillinger and Kurupt add their flavor to the silky “Bootdullivan Is Soopafly” as well as the strutting “Fishnets.” Snoop Dogg’s laid-back swagger on “Hundo P” fits like a glove, solidifying his place in the funk continuum. On “I.Am.AI,” Bootsy leans into modernity with a bass-heavy, tech-savvy groove that bridges generations. Elsewhere, “The JB’s Tribute Pastor P” honors the rhythmic architects of funk — drummers John Starks and Clyde Stubblefield — with an assist from freestyle phenom Harry Mack, who delivers razor-sharp rhymes.

Collins's many alter-egos surface across the record, each bringing a unique flavor. Bedroom Bootsy smooths it out alongside Musiq Soulchild on the sensual “Reach the Zone,” while the heavy-hitting Zillatron emerges on “Barbie T & Me,” a blistering homage to Buckethead. Indeed, the album is both homage and evolution — proof that Bootsy's funk remains fearless, fresh, and utterly timeless.

Standout Tracks: “The InFluencers”, “Bubble Pop”, “BeWild”

Rating: 7.5/10