When you want the truth, there is one genre of music you can rely on: Funk. From fearless lyrics to impassioned vocals to thick juicy bass lines, there is a raw element to the music that echoes with authenticity.
That’s why, when it came down to discussing the relationship between drugs and music, we knew we could get candid feedback from the iconic Bootsy Collins. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Parliament Funkadelic member is no stranger to the topic, as he is a substance abuse survivor.
While promoting his forthcoming release, Tha Funk Capital of The World, Collins shared with us his thoughts on the presence of drug abuse in the industry, why he believes the media is enabling such behavior and the legalization of marijuana. –souleo
Drug abuse in the music industry is frequently top headline news. What are your thoughts on the present state of this issue?
Drugs and music were hand-in-hand since day one, but everybody knows about it now. It is everywhere, and it’s overkill with smartphones and technology. It is just now getting overexposed. It was a big deal back in the day, but it wasn’t covered so much as it is now unless you got busted.
The media and public focus heavily on celebrities and their drug abuse. Do you think that attention acts as an enabling force to some degree?
I think it might because now any kind of promotion you can get is considered good promotion. Some people can misuse that and get away with it. You got some who will do anything to get attention and to shine. That might hurt the rest of the people that’s really trying to do the right thing.
There are over a dozen states with medical marijuana laws, and some believe the drug should be legalized for the general public. Do you agree?
I think they might as well do it. What is the problem? People want to get a little high, and it’s cool. Alcohol is legal, and cigarettes [are] legal. The only difference is the government is taxing [them], and they don’t have a way of taxing marijuana.
For more information, please visit www.bootsyalbum.com.
