Bop Gun (Endangered Species)

George Clinton

About Bop Gun (Endangered Species)

"Bop Gun (Endangered Species)" is a song by the funk band Parliament, the lead track on their 1977 album Funkentelechy Vs. the Placebo Syndrome. It was released as the album's first single. The song's lead vocal is performed by Glenn Goins, his last performance on a P-Funk record. The Bop Gun is an imaginary weapon that makes whatever it shoots funky. It was used as a stage prop in Parliament's late-1970s concerts. George Clinton is depicted wielding it on the cover of the Funkentelechy Vs. the Placebo Syndrome album. It is also featured on the cover of Funkadelic's 1979 album Uncle Jam Wants You. 


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George Clinton

George Clinton (born July 22, 1941) is an American singer, songwriter, bandleader, and music producer and the principal architect of P-Funk. He was the mastermind of the bands Parliament and Funkadelic during the 1970s and early 1980s, and launched a solo career in 1981. He has been cited as one of the foremost innovators of funk music, along with James Brown and Sly Stone. Clinton was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997 with fifteen other members of Parliament-Funkadelic. more »

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11 facts about this song

Creation
"Bop Gun (Endangered Species)" is a track created by the American funk music collective Parliament, which was led by George Clinton.
Release Date
The song was released in July 1977 as the lead single from Parliament's sixth album, "Funkentelechy Vs. the Placebo Syndrome".
Chart Performance
The upbeat tune reached No. 14 on the Billboard Hot Soul Singles chart and No. 98 on the Pop Singles chart.
Musical Style
The song showcases the band's signature psychedelic funk style, combined with their trademark creative lyricism and high energy grooves.
Concept of Bop Gun
The concept of the song revolves around the metaphor of the 'Bop Gun', an imaginary, metaphorical weapon that destroys all negativity and spreads Parliament's message of positivity and dance.
Impact on Other Artists
The song's unique blend of funky grooves, catchy melodies, and thoughtful metaphors has inspired a number of contemporary artists. Notably, Gary G-Wiz samples it in Public Enemy's 1990 single "Brothers Gonna Work It Out."
Ice Cube's Version
Up-and-coming rapper Ice Cube created a version of Bop Gun in 1993 that heavily sampled Parliament's original song and featured George Clinton himself.
Collaborative Work
"Bop Gun (Endangered Species)" is a testament to Parliament's collaborative nature wherein multiple band members wrote the song, including George Clinton, Bootsy Collins, and Garry Shider.
Iconic Line
The iconic lyric "Nothing but the dog in me" is often cited as one of the great lines of funk music, encapsulating Clinton's and Parliament's blend of playful lewdness and political commentary.
Live Performances
The song remains a staple in George Clinton's live performances even after the disbandment of Parliament, hypnotizing audiences with its infectious rhythm and uplifting messages.
Album’s Concept
The "Funkentelechy Vs. the Placebo Syndrome" album, which houses 'Bop Gun (Endangered Species)', is considered a concept album. The music and lyrics narrate a sci-fi allegory of good (Funkentelechy) versus evil (Placebo Syndrome). This theme aligns with the musical narrative of 'Bop Gun' which spreads positivity defeating negativity.

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