Funk is about the ONE....everything is on the ONE, the emphasis on the big heavy down beat that lets all the musicians lock into the groove. It all starts with the beat and then the bass, whatever you put ontop is just colour.
If you like funk you should check out Kevin Goin's (Glenn's brother) new band PTheory on the website below. We've spent years working on the essence of funk
Http://ptheory.co.uk