Bae 5

Released in 2019, Bae 5 represents the commercial and creative apex of the future funk movement. Portland producer Yung Bae (Dallas Cotton) moved beyond the lo-fi origins of the genre to deliver a polished, hi-fi experience that features a significant roster of collaborators including Flamingosis, bbno$, and Party Pupils. The album is structurally centered around the re-contextualization of 1970s and 80s disco and funk, specifically drawing from the Japanese 'City Pop' era which saw a massive global resurgence in the late 2010s. Tracks like 'Bad Boy' became viral hits, showcasing the artist's ability to blend meme-adjacent internet culture with genuine dancefloor utility. Critically, the album is noted for its high production values and its role in transitioning future funk from a niche Soundcloud aesthetic into a viable touring genre, as evidenced by the subsequent headlining North American tour and festival appearances at Coachella.