Lisa Lisa, born in New York City's Hell’s Kitchen, pioneered Latin freestyle and pop music as the lead of Lisa Lisa & Cult Jam. Produced by Full Force, she became the first Puerto Rican or Latino artist to top pop and R&B charts with multi-platinum albums featuring hits like I Wonder If I Take You Home and Head to Toe.
The Mary Jane Girls, formed in Los Angeles in 1981 by Rick James, were an R&B, soul, and funk group. Known for their glamorous image, soulful harmonies, and infectious grooves, they delivered hits like "In My House," "All Night Long," and "Candy Man." They earned a gold album with "Only Four You" and were inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2019. Their sound has been sampled by numerous artists.
Exposé is an American dance-pop and freestyle girl group formed in the mid-1980s. Members Ann Curless, Jeanette Jurado, and Gioia Bruno achieved historic success with their multi-platinum debut album, Exposure, featuring hits like Seasons Change.
Atlanta's Tag Team duo, known for the '90s hit "Whoomp! There It Is," sold over 4 million copies. Known for high-energy party rap, their work includes hits like "U Go From" and albums with massive singles.
The Jets, a band of 8 siblings from a Tongan family in Minneapolis, hit fame in 1986-89 with songs like "Crush on You." Known for dance-pop, they achieved gold albums before shifting to gospel in the '90s.
South Central L.A. pop-rap MC Candyman (John B. Shaffer III), Ice-T’s Rhyme Syndicate affiliate; “Knockin’ Boots” hit Hot 100 Top 10; worked w/ Johnny J, DJ Quik.
Color Me Badd is an American contemporary R&B group formed in 1985 in Oklahoma City. Best known for “I Wanna Sex You Up,” “I Adore Mi Amor” and “All 4 Love,” they’ve sold 12M+ records, earned 2 Grammy noms, and won Soul Train and AMAs.
Rialto, CA rap trio (MCJB, Baby D’, Sassy C’); “Supersonic” (1988) Grammy-nom, 1st platinum female rap group; sampled in Fergie’s “Fergalicious.”
