Funkadelic, Hit It And Quit It | Throwback Vibez

In the 40^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Hit It And Quit It” by Funkadelic. 

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 40^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2023), we recollect and reflect on “Hit It And Quit It”, performed by Funkadelic. 

“If you want to hit it, good God / Hit it and quit it / I want you to.” WOO, Funkadelic! Funkadelic marked another brilliant band of the one and only, George Clinton (1941 – ).  While Parliament earns the most attention of the Clinton endeavors, Funkadelic was big too, bringing more psychedelic rock elements into the mix.  The album that the funky, simplistic but potent “Hit It And Quit It” hails from, Maggot Brain, is a masterpiece.  While “Hit It And Quit It” failed to achieve pop success, it is considered one of many gems from the Funkadelic catalog.

It should go without saying that “Hit It And Quit It” is funky as hell – in the most heavenly way possible.  “You can shake it to the east, shake it to the west / Hit it, good God / Hit it and quit it,” George Clinton sings with ample energy and personality. Besides the fun, memorable lyrics, and enormous amount of spirit on this 70s gem, “Hit It And Quit It” features incredibly dope music. That dopeness includes kick-ass guitar ( Eddie Hazel) and bass ( Billy “Bass” Nelson) riffs and soloing, epic organ ( Bernie Worrell), and of course, a totally lit groove.  Honestly, “Hit It And Quit It” is a funk record that you won’t be able to simply – wait for it – “hit it and quit it!” Deep analysis of this incredible record isn’t necessary – it speaks for itself, more than 50 years after being released!

Funkadelic • Maggot Brain • Westbound • 1971

Funkadelic, “Hit It And Quit It”: Throwback Vibez No. 40 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Westbound; John Alan Sperry, PIRO via  Pixabay]