Kool and the gang & Zapp
Kool & The Gang
ZAPP
Genre: Funk, R&B, Electro-Funk
Officially launching in 1969, Kool & the Gang created a unique blend of jazz, soul, and funk. Earning two Grammy Awards and 31 gold and platinum albums, the group delivered iconic hits like Celebration and Jungle Boogie. Recently inducted into the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, they remain the most sampled R&B band in history.
Similarly rooted in infectious grooves, The Zapp Band was driven by the Troutman brothers. Discovered by George Clinton, Zapp released their debut in 1980, achieving platinum success with the hit More Bounce to the Ounce. Roger Troutman’s innovative talkbox vocals and the group's moog basslines profoundly shaped West Coast hip-hop, sparking hits like 2Pac’s California Love.
Today, both trailblazing acts continue to tour. With Zapp carrying on their high-energy showmanship and Kool & the Gang celebrating over 50 years of bulletproof funk, their heavily-sampled catalogs guarantee their music will keep crowds dancing forever.
Career Highlights
Kool & the Gang
Massive Commercial and Award Success: The group has earned two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, 25 Top Ten R&B hits, 9 Top Ten Pop hits, and 31 gold and platinum albums, driven by iconic anthems like "Celebration," "Jungle Boogie," and "Ladies Night."
Unmatched Influence in Hip-Hop and Pop: They hold the title of the most sampled R&B band of all time. Their signature drum beats, basslines, and horn arrangements have laced tracks for countless legendary artists, including Jay-Z, Beastie Boys, Madonna, Janet Jackson, and P. Diddy.
Historic Hall of Fame Inductions: Cementing their legacy as American musical icons, they were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2024, and their timeless hit "Celebration" was added to the Library of Congress National Recording Registry in 2021.
Zapp Band
Revolutionary Hitmakers: Zapp revolutionized modern funk and R&B with timeless hits including “More Bounce to the Ounce,” “Computer Love,” “Dance Floor,” and “I Can Make You Dance.”
Pioneers of the Talkbox & Hip-Hop Foundation: As pioneers of the talkbox sound, Zapp’s innovations shaped the foundation of West Coast hip-hop, sampled by legends such as Dr. Dre, 2Pac, Snoop Dogg, and Ice Cube.
Global Ambassadors of Funk: Global ambassadors of funk, Zapp continues to headline major festivals and stages worldwide, delivering electrifying performances for new generations of fans.