If I'm not mistaken funk and R&B players where the first to *really* popularize it. It's somewhat prevalent in rockabilly too I think.
If I had to guess I'd say it's just because most of the time bassists aren't really a central part of the song. Their role is more supportive, filling things out, adding depth. Slapping and Popping really stands out in a song and if that's not wanted, why utilize it?
Not docking it or players who do it at all, btw. Huge, huge, huge fan of Mike Watt. I will meet him before I die.
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I spit bullets in my feet
Every time I speak
So I write instead
And still people want me dead
~msc
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