DU BOOKS, the publishing division of Disk Union Co., Ltd. (Chiyoda-ku, Representative Director: Masahiko Hirohata), will publish "The Ultimate Guide to FUNK" on August 4, 2026 (Tue). In 2025, Sly Stone, the innovator of funk, and D'Angelo, who pioneered neo-soul and carried on the spirit of funk to the modern era, both passed away. These events have provided a significant opportunity to reflect on the progression of funk music and its legacy. Much of the groove that underpins contemporary popular music, from hip-hop, R&B, neo-soul, and modern jazz to pop, is connected to the vast wellspring of funk. However, considering its immense influence, there is a scarcity of resources that systematically explain the history and scope of funk. This book is a disc guide that delves into the history of funk with an unprecedented volume of 1,552 entries. Chapter 1, "The Innovators of Funk," explains the innovations and representative works of four pioneers who forged the path of funk history: James Brown, Sly & The Family Stone, George Clinton/P-Funk, and Prince. It clarifies the lineage that forms the core of funk music. Chapter 2, "1960s-1970s," covers the birth and golden age of funk against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement and Black Power. It introduces legendary bands such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Ohio Players, Kool & The Gang, The Meters, and War, while also tracing the expansion of funk worldwide to Europe, Africa, Brazil, and Japan. Chapter 3, "1980s," addresses the transitional period marked by the disco boom and digitalization. While large bands faced a downturn, it provides an overview of the emergence of new grooves, including new forms of funk pioneered by Prince, Rick James, and Zapp/Roger, as well as go-go, new jack swing, and hip-hop. Chapter 4, "1990s-2000s," examines funk as it evolved alongside the development of hip-hop and R&B. It introduces diverse scenes such as G-funk, Southern rap, neo-soul, acid jazz, and deep funk, which evolved into new expressi