Musiq Soulchild with Pokey Bear, Zapp, and more

Southern bluesman Pokey Bear, a Baton Rouge native, brings a blend of R&B and bayou soul, reminiscent of Willie Clayton and James Brown. Known for hits like "The Gingerbread Man," he collaborated with Mystikal and is part of Louisiana Blue Brothas.

Zapp, led by Roger Troutman, revolutionized '80s funk with their vocoder talk boxes and grooves. From Hamilton, OH, they collaborated with Bootsy Collins, scoring hits like "More Bounce to the Ounce" and "Dance Floor." Roger's solo successes included "I Want to Be Your Man." Known for their influence on electro-funk, they played a role in Dr. Dre & 2Pac's "California Love." The group's lasting legacy was marked by platinum success and tragic loss in 1999.

Musiq Soulchild, born in Philadelphia, is a key figure in the neo-soul movement, blending influences like Marvin Gaye with hip-hop. With 13 Grammy nominations, he's famed for raw vocals and hits like "Love" and "Buddy." He signed with Def Jam in 2000.

Lyfe Jennings, born in Toledo, Ohio, is a self-produced R&B artist known for love songs and societal insights. He rose to fame at Apollo Theater, released albums like "Lyfe 268-192" and "The Phoenix," which hit top R&B charts. Collaborated with artists like Three 6 Mafia, his hit "S.E.X." topped charts. Despite ups and downs, Jennings’ work remains impactful in the R&B scene.