Kool & The Gang and Digital Underground

Formed in Jersey City in the mid-'60s, Kool & the Gang, led by Robert "Kool" Bell, became R&B icons with hits like "Celebration" and "Jungle Boogie." Their jazz-influenced funk sound earned them numerous Top 40 hits and gold or platinum albums, including Ladies' Night and Emergency. Collaborating with producer Eumir Deodato, they achieved great success in the '80s. They continued to tour and release music, collaborating with younger artists and maintaining a prominent influence in the music world over decades.

Digital Underground, formed in Oakland by Shock-G and Chopmaster J, is known for their P-Funk-inspired style. Their debut album, *Sex Packets*, featured the hit "The Humpty Dance" and went platinum. They collaborated with Tupac Shakur on the gold EP *This Is an EP Release*. Despite shifting hip-hop trends, Digital Underground's innovative, humorous style left a lasting impact. Shock-G passed away in 2021.