Ziggy Modeliste is an American drummer and founding member of the legendary funk outfit the Meters, whose innovative approach to rhythm fundamentally shaped New Orleans funk and dance music. His distinctive drumming style—rooted in the syncopated second-line grooves of New Orleans—became a cornerstone of funk music and influenced generations of electronic and dance producers who sampled and reinterpreted his grooves.
As a key architect of the Meters' sound, Modeliste helped establish the percussive foundation that would define New Orleans funk and later inspire hip-hop, house, and electronic music producers. His work on classic Meters recordings showcases a mastery of polyrhythmic patterns and groove-oriented playing that transcends traditional drumming, cementing his legacy as an innovator whose influence extends well beyond funk into contemporary electronic music production.
