PlaylistsNostalgiaCuration

Playlist: 2016-to-2026 — The Funk Tracks You Forgot You Loved

UUnknown

2026-03-05

10 min read

A decade-spanning funk playlist that rescues mid-2010s deep cuts and shows why they still slap in 2026.

You want grooves that still hit — not the same 24/7 radio rotation

If you’re tired of algorithmic déjà vu and curated lists that recycle the same three funk singles, this is for you. Over the past decade fans and DJs have struggled to discover high-quality funk tracks from the mid-2010s era that didn’t get huge radio play — songs that sound fresh in 2026, play great in a set, and reward repeat listening. This playlist is a focused rediscovery: a decade-spanning selection inspired by the 2016-to-2026 movement of nostalgia, vinyl revivals and smarter music curation.

Why this matters in 2026

Late-2025 and early-2026 saw three developments that changed how we experience niche genres like funk: platforms rolled out better discovery tools and spatial-audio support for small catalogs, AI-assisted playlisting made deep-dive crates more visible, and fan communities (Discords, micro-subscriptions and livestream collectives) matured as direct-to-fan hubs. That means songs that were quietly excellent in 2016 now have clearer pathways to audiences — if someone curates them right.

“2016 nostalgia is trending again — a decade later the cultural touchstones are back in rotation.” — The Hollywood Reporter (2026 overview of 2016’s cultural footprint)

How to use this playlist: practical quick-starts

For casual listening: Add the full playlist to your favorite streaming app (create a mirror playlist on Spotify/Apple/YouTube) and use it as an alternative to algorithmic “discover weekly” loops.
For DJs: Use the notes to identify candidate warm-up tracks, mid-set bangers and surprise interludes. Many of these cuts are DJ-friendly (clean intros, short breakdowns, groove-forward).
For creators and producers: Flag songs with unique production textures for sampling or remixing — and always clear samples or contact artists for stems through official channels.
For fans and community builders: Use the playlist as a discussion starter in a Discord or thread. Share track-timecodes for live listening parties and tag the artists to boost engagement.

The playlist: 2016-era funk tracks that still slap in 2026

Below is a curated group of tracks from the 2016-era (roughly the mid-2010s scene) and immediate follow-ups — deep cuts, sleeper grooves and overlooked singles that aged like fine vinyl. Each entry includes a short note on why it matters now and how to use it.

1. Anderson .Paak — "Come Down"

Why it matters now: A raw, drums-forward groove with a live-band feel that sits perfectly in spatial audio mixes. In 2026 it sounds modern because producers still copy that kinetic live-drum energy.

Use it: DJ cue: drop this as a high-energy transition into soul/funk peak time. Producer cue: sample the snare roll for drum layering.

2. Anderson .Paak — "Am I Wrong" (feat. ScHoolboy Q)

Why it matters now: A funk-soul hybrid that balances groove and vocal attitude. Its arrangement is a blueprint for hybrid funk-rap crossovers that dominated festival lineups in the early 2020s.

Use it: Great for midday energizers in sets or remixes; also a reliable crowd-pleaser for livestreams.

3. Bruno Mars — "Perm"

Why it matters now: Polished retro-funk production with horn stabs that translate well to both analog and spatial mixes. While Bruno's hits were ubiquitous, cuts like "Perm" stayed underplayed in fan-curated throwback stacks.

Use it: Perfect for a throwback block or a vinyl-flavored interlude; sit it next to classic funk without sounding retro-night cliché.

4. St. Paul & The Broken Bones — "All I Ever Wonder"

Why it matters now: Southern soul with tight horns and a live-band clarity that feeds into 2026’s appetite for authentic, uncompressed recordings. This track works as a modern classic in intimate venues.

Use it: Slow-build set moment — lean on it for emotional lift and live-mix vocal showcases.

5. Vulfpeck — "Back Pocket" (deep cut plays)

Why it matters now: Vulfpeck’s minimal, bass-forward approach is endlessly sampleable and beloved by crate-diggers. Even if their big viral plays are well-known, keep this in your "hidden gems" block — fans love the recognition.

Use it: Crowd-pleasing mid-set secret weapon; strip or loop the intro in a DJ mix for tasteful suspense.

6. Tuxedo — "Number One" (or a lesser-played B-side)

Why it matters now: The collaboration project that channels glossy late‑70s/early‑80s funk and R&B. Tuxedo tracks work great in playlists that celebrate elevated funk production with punchy bass and tight guitar work.

Use it: Slip into a 'neo-disco'/funk block; audience recognition is high among tastemakers but not universal — good for discovery.

7. Unknown Mortal Orchestra — "Multi-Love" (deep groove moments)

Why it matters now: Psych-funk textures and odd-meter fills make this band a favorite with listeners who want groove plus lyrical depth. The production’s warm analog feel fits 2026’s nostalgia-for-original-sound trend.

Use it: Openers and late-set contemplative grooves; great for chilled late nights and transition spots.

8. FKJ — "Skyline" (instrumental lushness)

Why it matters now: FKJ’s blend of live instrumentation and electronic texturing foreshadowed the neo-funk/lo-fi fusion that became streaming-mainstay. The chord voicings reward repeated listens.

Use it: Morning chill or background for live-stream hangouts — excellent as an ambient funk layer in longer mixes.

9. Masego — "Navajo" (or a quieter EP cut)

Why it matters now: Early Masego pushed sax-led R&B/funk hybridity that influenced the next wave of session players. His 2016-era output still sounds contemporary because of its melodic restraint.

Use it: Great for late-night sets and intimate shows; sax motifs are remix-friendly.

10. The Internet — "Special Affair" (deep album cut)

Why it matters now: The Internet’s understated grooves and low‑end warmth are a template for modern neo-soul/funk production. Deeper album tracks reward listeners who dig past singles.

Use it: Place in a chilled mid-set; works well as a bridge between upbeat funk and slow R&B sections.

11. Parcels — "Lightenup" (pre-album single vibes)

Why it matters now: Disco-inflected funk from an era when indie bands were interpolating classic grooves into modern synth racks. Parcels’ textured guitar-chops and vocal harmonies keep the track in rotation among throwback fans.

Use it: A daytime rooftop or festival warm-up — bright and optimistic.

12. Durand Jones & The Indications — "Morning in America" (sleeper charm)

Why it matters now: Vintage soul with topical lyrics and a live-band punch. Their catalog became a staple for crate-diggers looking for authentic arrangements in the 2016-to-2026 rediscovery movement.

Use it: Place in a narrative DJ set when you want to slow things with dignity and emotional weight.

13. Scary Pockets — cover gem (YouTube-era funk collectives)

Why it matters now: Collectives like Scary Pockets turned YouTube covers into high-quality funk reinterpretations. In 2026 these videos and live sessions are tracked down by fans for fresh arrangements they won’t hear on the radio.

Use it: Use covers as novelty inserts in mixes or live sets; they create immediate audience connection when they recognize the song reworked in funk style.

14. Charles Bradley / Menahan Street Band — lesser-known live cut

Why it matters now: Raw, heartfelt soul-funk performances delivered in the mid-2010s remain essential listening for fans who prefer human imperfection and analog warmth.

Use it: Emotional peak in live sets or background for long-form podcasts/streams highlighting funk history.

15. Younger underground picks — bandcamp/independent singles

Why it matters now: Bandcamp and indie labels were where many funk revivalists released tracks around 2016. Those releases stayed under mainstream radars but are crates full of discoveries in 2026.

Use it: Dig into Bandcamp tags ("funk", "boogie", "neo-soul") and add one or two surprising tracks to your set for authenticity points.

Advanced rediscovery strategies for 2026 (actionable steps)

Build a mirrored playlist across platforms: Create an authoritative master on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube. Use the same track order and description; this improves shareability and ensures fans on different services can join the experience.
Use AI-assisted discovery but filter manually: Use 2026’s playlist-AI to surface obscure tracks with similar sonic fingerprints, then listen manually and only add tracks that pass the "does this groove hold me in headphones at 1.5x speed?" test.
Leverage spatial audio and EQ profiles: In 2026 spatial mixes are mainstream. Revisit your favorite mid-2010s tracks in spatial or lossless formats — some grooves open up when you hear isolated horns or dry room mics.
Crate-dig with intent: Search label catalogs (Daptone, Colemine, Big Crown) and Bandcamp pages from 2014–2018 with tags like "funk", "boogie", "neo-soul" and "vintage soul". Export lists and audition systematically.
Host rediscovery listening sessions: Run a monthly live stream or Discord listening party. Tell a story about each track — provenance, why it was overlooked, and where listeners can support the artist.
Force algorithm feedback: Your playlist’s engagement matters. Encourage followers to save, like, and full-play tracks. In 2026 platforms reward human-curated lists with better recommendations when they see consistent engagement.

How artists and curators can win from this trend (for creators)

If you’re an artist with 2016-era releases that slipped under the radar, here’s a quick checklist to capitalize on the 2016-to-2026 nostalgia wave:

Remaster and re-release: Offer a spatial-audio remaster or a limited-run vinyl pressing — collectors in 2026 still value physicals.
Bundle behind-the-scenes content: Short clips, stem packs or raw takes for producers (clear usage terms!) help amplify your song’s lifespan.
Leverage community platforms: Set up a Patreon/Ko-fi tier with private listening sessions or a Discord for superfans to unlock odd cuts and live versions.
Pitch to playlist curators: Send personalized notes to independent playlist curators and niche editorial teams — show a clear angle: "neo-funk for spatial playlists" or "midtempo classic-funk interludes."

Case example: how a sleeper track became a festival warm-up (experience)

In 2023–2024 a handful of crate-digging DJs started adding mid-2010s deep cuts into warm-up sets. One particular pattern emerged: a low-profile track with a 30-second horn motif would be looped and layered with percussion, then used as a warm-up for headline funk sets. The result — more stream plays and a spike in merch sales for the original artist. That’s the playbook here: smart placement leads to rediscovery, which leads to sustainable fan growth.

Legal and ethical notes for remixers and DJs

Clear samples and stems: Always get appropriate clearances before releasing remixes that use more than minimal elements. In 2026 automated sample-tracking tools are better, but they don’t replace permission.
Credit and link back: In playlists and streams include track credits, label and official artist links — it’s the right move and it helps artists get discovered.
Compensate artists: Use tipping, merch links or direct donations after a live set when you spotlight a smaller artist — it keeps the ecosystem healthy.

Final thoughts — why a nostalgia playlist can be future-facing

A good nostalgia playlist doesn’t just repackage the past — it reframes it. The 2016-to-2026 decade has shown that production techniques, analog warmth and live-band energy from the mid-2010s remain relevant when presented with context, quality remasters and community endorsement. Great funk is timeless when you let subtle grooves breathe.

Call to action

Ready to rediscover? Save and follow the master playlist on your streaming platform, then do one thing right now: share your favorite overlooked track from the mid-2010s in the comments or drop it in your community server with the tag #2016to2026Funk. If you’re an artist with a quiet gem from that era, submit it to our curator inbox — we feature monthly rediscovery highlights and help artists get placed in DJ crates and livestream rotations.

Keep digging, keep sharing — and let the grooves speak for themselves.

Unknown

Contributor

Senior editor and content strategist. Writing about technology, design, and the future of digital media. Follow along for deep dives into the industry's moving parts.