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In March of 2020 (the 11th to be specific), the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. It completely changed things for people around the world, forcing them to spend much more time in the confines of their homes than they might be used to. Social media challenges and thrilling television (The Last Dance, Tiger King, Ted Lasso just to name a few) quickly became people’s escape from not being able to do the things they were accustomed to doing. Another thing that became a staple during COVID was Verzuz.
Created by record producers Timbaland and Swizz Beats, the webcast series was introduced as a virtual DJ battle (with the two producers going head-to-head in its first iteration). The series invites two musicians to highlight their discographies in two 10-song rounds. Some of the most memorable matchups include Young Jeezy v. Gucci Mane, Brandy v. Monica, Teddy Riley v. Babyface and many more. Since its inception, the series has always made fans clamor over the possible battles we could see in the future. What about battles we wish we could’ve seen in the past though? A recent tweet (that can be found below) got the internet to thinking about a matchup between two legendary bands that would’ve fed families.
Kool & The Gang is an American band formed in 1964 by brothers Robert ‘Kool’ Bell and Ronald Bell in Jersey City. Blending jazz, soul, funk, R&B and pop, they became known for their upbeat, danceable sound. The band started with a strong jazz influence but soon gained fame in the 1970s with hits like ‘Jungle Boogie’ and ‘Hollywood Swinging,’ establishing themselves as pioneers of funk. Their success skyrocketed in the late 1970s and 1980s with the addition of vocalist James ‘J.T.’ Taylor, who helped them transition to a more mainstream pop sound. This period produced some of their most famous songs, including ‘Ladies Night,’ ‘Get Down On It,’ and their global anthem ‘Celebration,’ which is still a staple at weddings and parties worldwide to this day. Over the years, Kool & The Gang received numerous awards, including two Grammys and seven American Music Awards. They have sold over 70 million records worldwide, and their music continues to be celebrated for its feel-good energy and their appeal across generations. They were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018 and remain a vital influence on funk, R&B and hip hop music.
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KC and the Sunshine Band is an America disco and funk band formed in 1973 by Harry Wayne Casey (KC) in Miami, Florida. The group became one of the most popular acts of the 1970s, known for their catchy danceable hits that blended R&B, funk and pop with a distinct Miami sound. Their music helped define the disco era. They achieved massive success with hits like ‘Get Down Tonight,’ ‘That’s the Way (I Like It),’ ‘Shake Your Booty,’ and ‘I’m Your Boogie Man,’ all of which became chart-toppers in the mid 1970s. Their upbeat rhythms and infectious energy made them a staple of dance floors during the boom of disco. KC and the Sunshine Band’s music has earned multiple awards, including five Grammys. Despite the decline of disco in the early 1980s, their songs have remained timeless, with a resurgence of popularity in movies, commercials and parties. Their blend of funk, horns and danceable beats left a lasting impression on pop music. The band continues to tour and perform, maintaining their status as one of the defining acts of the disco era.
Although we probably won’t ever get to see this fantasy matchup, it’s okay to dream right? To have some fun and to honor the legacies of these iconic bands, we put together a playlist of some of their biggest hits. Take a trip down memory lane! Slide in the comments and let us know which songs are your favorites and who you think would win in a Verzuz battle between the two.
