“Dap Walk” is one of the DOPEst songs on The Funky 16 Corners LP, which catalogued an excellent bunch of Funky, Soul-laden tracks from artists like Ernie & The Top Notes to Kashmere Stage Band and Co-Real Artists.
Some background on Ernie & The Top Notes from Stones Throw:
If there were ever a feel-good funk song, it’s “Dap Walk” by New Orleans stalwarts Ernie and The Top Notes. A happily rumbling bass line, cyclic, syncopated drumming and the catchiest melody this side of “Tighten Up” have made this song legendary in deep funk circles. Born in Thibodeaux, Louisiana, Ernie Williams moved to New Orleans at a young age. His childhood was one of Friday night fish-fries and jamborees – often led by Baton Rogue plucker Curley Gibbons, neighbor and early musical inspiration. At age 19, Williams began to take the guitar seriously, enrolling in classes at Houston’s School of Music before joining zydeco drummer Herlen Delpy’s traveling band. In 1971, Williams struck out on his own with the Top Notes Inc. He would lead this band into the recording studio a mere six months later.
