
Loni Harshaw
Funk, 2025
Acrylic on canvas
12" x 24"
Akheem Ali, Rick James, and André 3000 share notable musical similarities, particularly in their connection to Funk and Soul influences presented within a modern context. All three artists exhibit a deep appreciation for these genres, incorporating their distinct elements into their music in innovative ways. While Rick James is widely recognized for his signature "punk funk" style, both Akheem Ali and André 3000 seamlessly blend Funk and Soul with contemporary hip-hop. Akheem Ali’s "Keemy Casanova" persona, in particular, directly evokes the aesthetics and sonic qualities of the 1970s Funk and Soul era, highlighting his homage to the genre’s rich legacy.