Today, funk legend Bootsy Collins released a single, “Funk Not Fight,” featuring rapper Baby Triggy and Fantaazma. The song previews the artist’s forthcoming compilation, which goes by the same name and was announced last fall to encourage young talent to lend their voices and skills to the artist’s vital anti-violence initiative. 

Funk Not Fight is an ongoing album compilation with a rolling release schedule contrived of new music, young talent, and fresh voices, supporting Bootsy’s mission to promote peace through the power of music.

Collins shared some words via press release on the new single and its official music video. He said, “I just like to say, check out my latest video. Funk, not fight. We just wanna calm down some of that violence out there. Cause y’all know that it ain’t right! Come on now. Jump on board. Let’s get the One! For being funk, and not fight. Yeah that’s right baby.”

Fueled by Collin’s bass work, the single also finds the artist offering up the lyrics, “I’m not a fighter / but I’m a lover,” alongside blaring horns and tight riffs. The tune is accompanied by an official music video featuring appearances by bassist Marcus Miller, the Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart, Buckethead, Victor Wooten, Cindy Blackman and more. 

Coupled with the news of today’s single release is information on the artist’s Funk Not Fight initiative, which Collins spoke about at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame yesterday. During the event, he unveiled plans for the inaugural Funk Not Fight hub, a local community initiative for young people in the Cleveland area, which he plans to roll out across the U.S. 

Greg Harris, CEO of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, stated, “In the spirit of Rock & Roll and its roots in Cleveland and the surrounding communities, we’re thrilled that our friend and inductee, Bootsy Collins, has chosen the Rock Hall to announce his educational program that will support and give back to the greater Cleveland area.”

Watch the official music video below. Stream “Funk Not Fight” now.

Please consider making a donation to the Funk Not Fight hub, here.