Funk is a genre of music that emerged in the late 1960s, characterized by its rhythmic groove, emphasis on the downbeat, syncopation, and bass-driven sound. Influential artists such as James Brown, George Clinton, and Sly and the Family Stone helped shape the 1970s Funk Explosion, with their use of horns, percussion, and extended jams. Funk's influence can be heard in other genres such as disco, hip hop, R&B, jazz fusion, and electronic dance music, making it a versatile and enduring style of music.