Music hits different in the South. You can’t just look at the Billboard Hot 100 and expect to know what’s actually playing at the Sunday trail ride or the local blues club. If you’ve spent any time in Louisiana, Mississippi, or Georgia over the last decade, you’ve heard Pokey Bear. Specifically, you’ve heard Pokey Bear Side Piece. It’s more than a song; it’s basically a cultural phenomenon that defines the modern Southern Soul genre.
Wardell Webster, known to the world as Pokey Bear, didn't just stumble into this. He’s a powerhouse. His voice is raspy, loud, and carries the weight of a man who’s seen some things. When "My Sidepiece" dropped around 2014, it didn't just climb charts—it took over the atmosphere. People were arguing about it in barbershops. Grandmas were dancing to it at family reunions while simultaneously side-eyeing the lyrics. It’s a messy, honest, and wildly catchy record that perfectly captures the "grown folks' music" vibe.
The Story Behind the Hit
Honestly, the track wasn't supposed to be this big. It started as a collaboration with The Louisiana Blues Brotha and evolved into a staple of the "party blues" scene. Southern Soul is a specific beast. It’s a mix of classic rhythm and blues, a little bit of gospel inflection, and heavy, synthesized backyard-party beats. Pokey Bear Side Piece hit the sweet spot because it felt authentic to the Delta experience.
It’s raw.
The song tackles a subject that’s usually whispered about, but Pokey yells it over a heavy bassline. He isn't romanticizing it in a "Boyz II Men" kind of way. He’s being blunt. This transparency is exactly why it resonated. In an era where mainstream R&B was becoming increasingly polished and electronic, Pokey Bear offered something that felt like a hot plate of fish and a cold beer on a humid Saturday night.
Why "Side Piece" Struck a Nerve
The lyrics are polarizing. Let's be real. He’s singing about having a secondary relationship and, surprisingly, the "side piece" being okay with her position. It sparked endless debates on social media and in regional radio call-in segments. Is it toxic? Is it just storytelling? Most fans will tell you it’s just the blues. The blues has always been about the grit of life—cheating, drinking, losing money, and finding a way to dance through the mess.
Pokey’s delivery is what sells the "Side Piece" narrative. He has this James Brown-esque energy, jumping between melodic singing and rhythmic shouting. It’s high energy. If you play this at a wedding reception once the sun goes down, the floor stays packed.
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The Rise of the "Bayou Boyz" and Southern Soul
You can't talk about this song without mentioning the movement it helped solidify. Pokey Bear is a cornerstone of the Bayou Boyz collective. This isn't the corporate music machine of Los Angeles or New York. This is independent, grassroots success. They built their empire through "chitlin circuit" tours, playing small venues and massive outdoor festivals that the mainstream media barely notices.
The success of Pokey Bear Side Piece proved that there was a massive, underserved audience. These are listeners who want stories they recognize, set to music that makes them want to slide.
- It’s about the "swing" or the "shuffle."
- The beat usually stays around 100-110 BPM.
- The bass is thick enough to rattle a trunk.
- The storytelling is front and center.
This song paved the way for a new generation of artists like Tucka, King George, and J-Wonn to find massive success within this niche. They aren't chasing a TikTok trend. They’re chasing the feeling of a packed club in Baton Rouge.
Examining the Cultural Impact
Is it a masterpiece? Depending on who you ask, yes. To a musicologist focusing on African American vernacular music, Pokey Bear Side Piece is a vital link between the 1960s soul of Stax Records and the modern Southern hip-hop influence of No Limit or Cash Money. It’s a bridge.
Critics sometimes dismiss Southern Soul as "low-budget" because of the synthesized horn sections or the simple drum programming. That misses the point entirely. The "budget" feel is part of the aesthetic. It feels accessible. It sounds like something your cousin could have produced in his garage, which makes the connection between the artist and the audience even tighter.
When Pokey performs "Side Piece" live, the reaction is visceral. Women often lead the charge, singing every word back to him. There’s a strange irony in a song about being a side piece becoming an anthem for women who are clearly the "main" ones in their households. It’s about the performance of the "taboo." It’s theater.
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The Longevity of the Track
Most viral hits die after six months. This song has been out for over a decade and it still feels fresh in the South. Why? Because it’s tied to memories. It’s tied to the 2015 family reunion where Uncle Bobby fell off his chair trying to do the "Side Piece" dance. It’s tied to the trail rides where hundreds of horses and ATVs gather in a field, and the speakers are blasting Pokey Bear so loud the ground shakes.
It has survived because it isn't trying to be "cool" in a global sense. It’s content being exactly what it is: a Southern Soul banger.
Technical Elements of the Pokey Bear Sound
Musically, the song relies on a classic "I-IV-V" progression but with a heavy emphasis on the "one." The groove is relentless. Pokey’s vocals are mixed hot—they sit right on top of the music, demanding your attention.
- The "Call and Response": Pokey often leaves gaps in his phrasing, allowing the audience to fill in the blanks.
- The Rasp: His vocal grit adds a layer of "lived-in" experience that a smooth singer couldn't replicate.
- The Humor: There’s an underlying sense of "I can’t believe I’m saying this" in his delivery that keeps the song from feeling too dark or heavy.
How to Experience Pokey Bear Today
If you're just discovering Pokey Bear Side Piece, you're late to the party, but you're welcome nonetheless. To truly understand it, don't just listen to it on your phone speakers.
Put it on a real system.
Better yet, go to a Southern Soul festival. Seeing Pokey Bear live is an experience. He’s a big man with even bigger energy, often drenched in sweat five minutes into his set, giving everything to the crowd. He treats the stage like a pulpit and a playground at the same time.
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The genre has expanded since 2014, but "Side Piece" remains the benchmark. It’s the song every new Southern Soul artist tries to emulate. They want that same "lightning in a bottle" mix of controversy, rhythm, and relatability.
Actionable Insights for the Southern Soul Fan
For those looking to dive deeper into the world of Pokey Bear and the Southern Soul movement, start by exploring the discography of Big Pokey Bear beyond just the hits. Tracks like "Gingerbread Man" and "Good Foot" offer a broader look at his range.
If you're a creator or a DJ, pay attention to the BPM and the "swing" of these tracks. Southern Soul isn't meant to be mixed like EDM or trap; it requires a feel for the "pocket" of the groove.
To stay updated on the scene:
- Follow regional radio stations like WDLT in Mobile or WEMX in Baton Rouge.
- Look for "Trail Ride" events on social media; these are the heartbeat of the culture.
- Check out the "Blues Is Alright" tour schedules, which often feature Pokey Bear as a headliner.
Understand that Pokey Bear Side Piece isn't just a song about infidelity—it's a testament to the power of regional music staying true to its roots regardless of what's "trending" in the mainstream. It’s a piece of Southern history that continues to play on, one backyard party at a time.