Red Hot Chili Peppers are a rare breed in the music world. Known for their California-centric lyrics and flamboyant style, they’ve become one of the most dynamic bands in recent history, able to switch between upbeat, lively tracks and deeply emotional songs with ease.
The band’s distinct sound owes much to its lineup of outstanding musicians. John Frusciante and Chad Smith excel in their roles on guitar and drums, respectively, but Flea’s innovative bass playing stands out as a signature component. His approach to rhythm gives the band an unmistakable sound, with Flea often considered among the greatest bassists in rock.
Flea’s influences span from jazz to punk, and hip-hop producer J Dilla ranks high on his list. Known for redefining rhythm in rap, Dilla has had a notable impact on Flea’s style, shaping his intricate, unexpected bass lines. “I think he’s an absolutely transcendent phenomenal musician,” Flea shared, recalling a powerful experience while listening to Dilla’s Ruff Draft album on a solo hike, which left him deeply moved.
While Flea draws from modern artists like Dilla, he also finds inspiration in rock legends. A big admirer of Led Zeppelin’s John Paul Jones, Flea is part of a long line of bassists who revere Jones’s masterful playing. Geddy Lee of Rush once commented that Jones’s bass work was the backbone of Led Zeppelin, praising the way he anchored songs with fluidity and control, no matter how wild things got around him.
Given Flea’s admiration, a collaboration with Jones would’ve been a dream, and it almost happened. During the recording of “Road Trippin’” from Californication, Jones was considered to help arrange the rhythm section and play the Chamberlin organ on the track.
However, the band was still on the rise, and Jones’s fee was beyond their budget at the time. Though the collaboration didn’t come to pass, Flea’s dedication to rhythmic innovation and his respect for his influences continue to shape the unique sound of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
