Cameo with Midnight Star, Big Daddy Kane, and more

Formed in 1976 at Kentucky State University, MIDNIGHT STAR rose to fame with technofunk hits like "Freak-A-Zoid" and "No Parking on the Dance Floor." Their albums earned multiple Platinum and Gold certifications, with chart-toppers like "Operator," "Midas Touch," and collaborations like "Don’t Rock the Boat" with Whodini. Performing worldwide, they remain an iconic band in funk and R&B.

Brooklyn-born Big Daddy Kane, alias for Antonio Hardy, emerged in the late '80s as a hip-hop icon. Known for his smooth style and Afrocentric themes, Kane was part of the Juice Crew, collaborated with Biz Markie, and released classics like "Ain't No Half-Steppin'." He gained fame with hits such as "Smooth Operator" and worked alongside legends like Barry White. Despite a dip with the 1991 album Prince of Darkness, Kane's influence remains substantial in the genre.

Cameo, formed by Larry Blackmon in NYC, is known for their funky R&B hits and bold style. Notable songs include "Word Up," "Candy," and "She's Strange." They evolved from a Parliament/Funkadelic comparison to trailblazers themselves, influencing younger R&B and hip-hop artists. Hits like "Rigor Mortis" and "I Just Want to Be" topped the R&B charts. Blackmon's codpiece-wearing stage persona became iconic. They thrived in the '80s with albums like *Word Up!* and *Single Life*. Their music endures through compilations and samples in modern tracks.

Trouble Funk, formed in D.C. in 1978, pioneered go-go funk with hits like "Drop the Bomb." Known for wild live shows, they worked with Bootsy Collins & Kurtis Blow.

Douglas Furtick, known as 803Fresh, is a Georgia-born, South Carolina-raised Southern Soul and R&B artist. He is celebrated for his "Carolina Soul" style, blending gospel and R&B. His viral hit "Boots on the Ground" inspired a popular line dance and topped Billboard charts. He has collaborated with Fantasia and received awards for his music.