‘90s G-Funk

Boots Riley

With the contemporary convergence of hip hop and electronica, and the seemingly half-assed “’80s revival” of the last few years, it’s almost fantastical to imagine that groups like The Coup once had the chops to make it in the mainstream.

Back in the ‘90s, The Coup had all the political charge, funkadelia and rip-roaring old school appeal of every other headlining Bay Area crew, and it’s pretty astounding to discover that nothing much has changed. After an insane 20-year career to date, in which the group has released five records and embarked on various solo ventures (the most notable perhaps being Street Sweeper Social Club, frontman Boots Riley’s 2006 project with Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello), The Coup is finally set to hit the road and kick another album our direction.

Steal This Album from 1998 was the group’s most shining success, but when put in stark comparison to 2006’s Pick a Bigger Weapon, it’s easy to see where The Coup’s heart still lies — in Bay Area funk and old school.

The Coup still operates as a duo (DJ Pam the Funkstress and Boots Riley remained after the parting of their third member, E-Roc, in 1994), but Boots is all you’ll see on the stage this time — Pam’s been out of the touring game since Pick a Bigger Weapon — but The Coup’s tracks are still guaranteed to get your booty bouncin’ and your cogs turning, just like they used to.

The Coup plays 9 pm Wednesday, Feb. 15, at WOW Hall; $15 adv.,$18 door.