Keep it Smoovin‘. Keep it Groovin‘.
Rico’s musical journey began long before SmoovTime. In 2001, he became part of the hip-hop group The Blackedout Camp, where he formed lasting creative partnerships with Raymond Watson, known as “DJ Taddow,” and Bennie Patterson.
Those early collaborations established the foundation of a musical family that would continue to grow through different bands, styles and stages. The chemistry they built then remains part of the SmoovTime sound today.
1o YEARS WITH P–FUNK
Rico “Smoov” Lewis spent 15 years behind the drums with George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic/P-Funk All-Stars, becoming part of one of the most influential movements in music history.
From 1997 through 2012, Rico toured the world with George Clinton and P-Funk, performing across six continents and appearing at legendary festivals including Woodstock ’99, Fuji Rock, Montreux Jazz Festival, Nice Jazz Festival and Roskilde.
Along the way, he shared stages and musical circles with artists including Phish, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lenny Kravitz and Bernie Worrell. (welchtuningsystems)
George Clinton’s official P-Funk family archive also lists Rico Lewis among the group’s drummers and percussionists. (George Clinton)
Those years gave Rico more than international experience. They sharpened his understanding of the pocket, the power of a live band and the communal spirit at the heart of funk.
But P-Funk was one chapter—not the whole story.
RICO LEWIS & HIS SMOOVTIME REVUE
In 2012, Rico began shaping a new musical vision under the name:
RICO LEWIS & HIS SMOOVTIME REVUE.
The band toured throughout New England, blending funk, soul, hip-hop and live musicianship for audiences ready to hear something authentic and feel something real.
One early milestone came when the group opened for George Clinton at Toad’s Place in New Haven, Connecticut.
The significance was impossible to miss: Rico had moved from performing beside George Clinton as a member of P-Funk to leading a project of his own.
The name was new, but the mission remained the same:
Keep the groove alive.
SONS OF F.U.N.K.
As the project grew, the name changed and the sound expanded.
SONS OF F.U.N.K.
For approximately the next eight years, Sons of F.U.N.K. became a high-energy funk force featuring musicians connected to the P-Funk family and beyond.
The group brought classic funk into the present while preserving the energy, musicianship and spirit that made the original movement so powerful.
Rico’s role extended far beyond the drum kit. He served as bandleader, vocalist, hype man, keyboardist, percussionist, songwriter, producer and musical architect.
Publicly documented performances of Sons of F.U.N.K. included Rico Lewis alongside musicians such as Billy “Bass” Nelson, Bennie Patterson and Raymond Watson. (Martyrs Live)
The experience strengthened the bond between Rico, Raymond and Bennie while defining the creative philosophy that would shape SmoovTime:
Honor the roots. Keep the energy alive. Make the audience move.
WHEN THE WORLD STOPPED
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought live music, touring, festivals and venues to a standstill.
The stages went dark.
The music didn’t.
Rico responded by creating a different kind of stage.
SMOOVTIME TV
SmoovTime moved into the digital world, creating a platform for music, conversation, entertainment and culture. It was a new format, but it carried the same spirit of connection and creativity.
When live music returned, SmoovTime returned with it—ready for the next chapter.
THE MODERN SMOOVTIME
When the stages reopened, the direction became clear:
Drop the “TV.”
Drop the “Revue.”
Keep the name.
Keep the music.
Keep the movement.
SMOOVTIME
Today, SmoovTime is a high-energy funk band built on the belief that music should make you move.
The sound lives in the pocket, with horns, drums, bass, guitars, keyboards, vocals and percussion locking together in real time. It combines old-school funk attitude with the power and immediacy of a modern live band.
SmoovTime plays for the people who came to dance—and for everyone who discovers they’re dancing before the night is over.
Come ready to move.
A MUSICAL FAMILY BUILT OVER DECADES
SmoovTime wasn’t assembled overnight. It was built through years of shared stages, creative risks and musical evolution.
Standing beside Rico are two longtime collaborators from The Blackedout Camp:
RAYMOND WATSON — “DJ TADDOW”
BENNIE PATTERSON
After years of making music, touring, performing and growing through different projects, the three have joined forces once again.
This time, it’s SmoovTime.
Different chapter.
Same chemistry.
Same family.
Bigger groove.
That history gives the band something no rehearsal can manufacture:
musical chemistry built over decades.
WHAT MAKES SMOOVTIME DIFFERENT?
SmoovTime doesn’t believe funk belongs in a museum.
We believe funk belongs on the dance floor.
The music draws from funk, P-Funk, soul, hip-hop, R&B and live musicianship while creating a sound that is unmistakably its own.
This is not a tribute act.
This is not a nostalgia show.
This is a living, breathing funk experience.
Rico’s years with George Clinton and P-Funk took him around the world and placed him alongside legendary musicians. His work with Freekbass & The Bump Assembly further established his reputation as a powerful pocket drummer and high-energy performer.
Now that experience comes together under one roof.
SMOOVTIME
Book the band. Join the movement. Feel the groove live.
FUNK THE 4TH
The best way to understand SmoovTime is to experience it live.
Every Fourth of July, SmoovTime brings the funk to The Roof at the Daytona Beach Main Street Pier, above Joe’s Crab Shack, for its annual celebration:
FUNK THE 4TH
It’s more than a concert. It’s the beach, the ocean, fireworks, live music, family, friends and dancing in one unforgettable setting.
It’s summer with a groove.
It’s the Mothership landing on Daytona Beach.
The Roof has hosted Funk The 4th with SmoovTime as a multi-night Fourth of July celebration featuring Rico Lewis and the band, combining live music, oceanfront energy and fireworks. (The Roof Daytona Beach)
Funk The 4th has become a signature part of the SmoovTime experience—a celebration of music, community, freedom and the undeniable power of funk.
THE MOTHERSHIP IS LANDING
Get your tickets. Bring your people. Come ready to dance.
THIS IS SMOOVTIME
From Rico’s early days with The Blackedout Camp…
To 15 years with George Clinton and P-Funk…
From Rico Lewis & His SmoovTime Revue…
To Sons of F.U.N.K.…
From a world shut down by a pandemic…
To the return of SmoovTime as a live band…
The journey has always led back to one thing:
THE GROOVE
Rico “Smoov” Lewis and his musical family have spent decades learning how to create it. Now they’re inviting you into it.
Whether you’re a lifelong funk soldier, a hip-hop head, a live-music junkie, a festival fanatic or simply someone looking for a great night out, there’s a place for you here.
Turn it up.
Move your feet.
Catch the pocket.
Feel the bass.
Let the drums take you there.
Because SmoovTime isn’t just something you hear.
IT’S SOMETHING YOU FEEL
SMOOVTIME
KEEP YOU SMOOVIN’ AND GROOVIN’
FUNK • SOUL • HIP–HOP • R&B • LIVE MUSIC
THE MOTHERSHIP HAS LANDED
Follow SmoovTime, check the calendar and join us at the next show.
Connect with Smoovtime and put yourself in
Smoov Control