Zapp with Con Funk Shun, Syleena Johnson, and more

Con Funk Shun, from Vallejo, CA, rose from a backing band to R&B/funk stars, known for hits like "Ffun" and "Baby I'm Hooked." Led by Cooper and Pilate, they shaped '70s-'80s funk and ballads.

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.

Chicago's Syleena Johnson, daughter of blues legend Syl Johnson, is famed for her soulful vocals and storytelling in the R&B genre, blending classic soul with modern flair.

Chicago's Public Announcement, once backing R. Kelly, debuted solo in 1998 with "All Work, No Play" and the hit "Body Bumpin' Yippie-Yi-Yo." They released more music in 2000 and 2005.