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17 Mar 2026 · London
NTS Guide to: '80s Sophisti-Funk
Rising alongside the sophisti-pop strain of British New Wave, sophisti-funk names an early-to-mid-1980s current in R&B and funk that fused post-disco rhythms with high-gloss studio modernism. Defined by digital precision, immaculate surfaces, and a newly cosmopolitan sensibility in Black popular music, it recast funk’s language of grit and excess into one of polish, restraint, and spacious minimalism — total sonic luxury.
Forged in major-label studios with state-of-the-art equipment, with its machine-forged rhythms and melodic extravagance, sophisti-funk laid the sonic and aesthetic foundations for much followed: from street soul and new jack swing through the ’90s boy-band explosion into vaporwave and contemporary digital R&B."
This Guide To presents a selection of tracks that incapsulates the sound – featuring production work from Kashif, Jam and Lewis, Nick Martinelli and more, as well as artists like Luther Vandross, The System, Patrice Rushen, Reid and Babyface among others.
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Tracklist
- Cheryl LynneHigh Fidelity (Dub Mix)
- AttitudeLove Me Tonight
- Melba MooreLove Me Right
- Alexander O'NealYou Were Meant To Be My Lady (Not My Girl)
- George BensonInside Love (So Personal)
- Patrice RushenWatch Out!
- Luther VandrossYou're The Sweetest One
- Howard JohnsonKeepin' Love New
- KashifI Just Gotta Have You (Lover Turn Me On)
- Lillo(You're A) Good Girl
- JuicySugar Free
- Fatback BandSunshine Lady
- KashifThe Mood
- SOS BandTell Me If You Still Care
- DynastyThe Only One
- One WayIf Only You Knew
- SugarfootI’m Your Sugar
- The ManhattansDon't Say No
- Keni BurkeRisin' To The Top
- The DeeleLet No One Separate Us
- Millie ScottEv'ry Little Bit (Dub)
- Five StarAll Fall Down (M&M Dub Mix)
- Ian FosterOut For The Count (Extended Version)
- ChangeWarm
- 52nd StreetTell Me (How It Feels) (Dub)
- Change (Nick Martinelli mix)Mutual Attraction (12" Nick Martinelli Remix)
- TawathaThigh Ride
- Evelyn "Champagne" KingLove Come Down
- Cherrelle, Alexander O'NealSaturday Love (Extended Version)