The Meters formed in New Orleans in the mid-1960s — Art Neville, Leo Nocentelli, George Porter Jr., and Zigaboo Modeliste — and laid down the syncopated grooves funk was built on. Their records are among the most sampled in hip hop; start with Rejuvenation (1974) or Look-Ka Py Py (1969). Find The Meters vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
The Meters formed in New Orleans, Louisiana in the mid-1960s. The classic lineup was Art Neville (keyboards; 1937-2019), Leo Nocentelli (guitar), George Porter Jr. (bass), and Joseph Zigaboo Modeliste (drums). They worked extensively as the house band for producer Allen Toussaint and Sansu Enterprises, backing many New Orleans artists while developing their own catalog. They are regarded as foundational architects of funk.
The Meters are celebrated for tight, minimalist, deeply syncopated funk grooves rooted in New Orleans second-line rhythms. Their largely instrumental early work emphasizes interplay, space, and feel over flash, and their recordings have been among the most sampled in hip hop and dance music, underscoring their lasting influence.
Original Josie and Reprise pressings of the Meters' albums are prized by funk and soul collectors, and their catalog has been reissued on vinyl, including audiophile editions. Compilations gathering their most-sampled grooves are also popular.
Listeners new to The Meters often start with Rejuvenation (1974) or Look-Ka Py Py (1969). For related listening, see and .
