Big Mountain is an American reggae band formed in 1986 in San Diego, California, by lead vocalist Joaquin “Quino” McWhinney. Originally known as Rainbow Warriors and later Shiloh, the group adopted the name Big Mountain in 1991, inspired by a Native American reservation in Arizona. The band gained international fame with their 1994 reggae-pop cover of Peter Frampton’s “Baby, I Love Your Way,” which reached No. 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 in the UK. Their earlier chart success came with “Touch My Light” in 1993, and their album Unity sold over a million copies worldwide. Known for blending roots reggae with pop and R&B influences, Big Mountain has undergone several lineup changes but remained anchored by Quino. After a hiatus in the mid-2000s, the band returned with new music, including the 2016 album Perfect Summer and 2023’s Hear That Sound, continuing to tour globally and spread messages of love and unity through their music.

Inner Circle, also known as “The Bad Boys of Reggae,” is a legendary Jamaican reggae band formed in Kingston in 1968 by brothers Ian and Roger Lewis. Initially gaining recognition by backing artists like The Chosen Few and later teaming up with iconic vocalist Jacob Miller, the band became a dominant force in reggae during the 1970s. Their momentum was tragically halted in 1980 when Miller died in a car crash, prompting a temporary disbandment. Inner Circle reformed in 1986 and achieved global success with hits like “Bad Boys”—which became the theme for the TV show COPS—and “Sweat (A La La La La Long),” a chart-topping single across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Their fusion of reggae with pop and soul elements helped them transcend genre boundaries, earning them a Grammy Award in 1993 and another nomination in 1994. Known for their energetic live performances and message of unity, Inner Circle has toured extensively worldwide and collaborated with artists across generations. Despite lineup changes, the band remains anchored by the Lewis brothers and continues to promote reggae’s global influence through their music and outreach

Maxi Priest is a British reggae singer of Jamaican descent renowned for pioneering the reggae fusion genre—a blend of reggae and R&B. Raised in a musically rich household as the second youngest of nine siblings, Priest was inspired by gospel and soul music, and began singing in church under the encouragement of his Pentecostal missionary mother. His early involvement with South London’s Saxon Studio International sound system laid the foundation for his career, where he gained recognition through local performances and independent releases. Priest’s breakthrough came with his 1988 album Maxi, featuring a hit cover of Cat Stevens’ “Wild World.” He achieved international fame with the 1990 Billboard No. 1 single “Close to You,” making him one of only two British reggae artists to top the U.S. charts. Over the years, he has collaborated with artists like Roberta Flack, Shaggy, Beres Hammond, and Apache Indian, and his 2014 album Easy to Love reached No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Reggae Albums chart. A father of three, including fellow musician Marvin Priest, Maxi continues to be a global ambassador of reggae music, celebrated for his smooth vocals and genre-defying style.

Wyclef Jean is a Grammy-winning rapper, producer, and philanthropist whose eclectic musical style and activism have made him a global icon. After emigrating to the U.S. at age nine, he settled in New Jersey and rose to fame as a founding member of the Fugees, whose 1996 album The Score became one of the best-selling hip-hop albums of all time. Jean launched a successful solo career with The Carnival (1997), followed by hits like “Gone till November,” “911” (with Mary J. Blige), and collaborations with artists such as Santana, Shakira, and Whitney Houston. Beyond music, he founded the charity Yéle Haiti and was appointed Haiti’s Ambassador-at-Large in 2007. Though his 2010 presidential bid was unsuccessful due to residency requirements, Jean remains a prominent voice for Haitian advocacy and global humanitarian efforts

Midnight Star is a pioneering American R&B and electro-funk band that rose to prominence in the 1980s with a string of chart-topping hits and a signature sound blending soulful melodies with futuristic synths and vocoder effects. Formed in 1976 at Kentucky State University by Reggie Calloway and Bill Simmons, the group included fellow students Belinda Lipscomb, Kenneth Gant, Jeff Cooper, Bo Watson, Melvin Gentry, and later Vincent Calloway. Their breakout came with the 1983 album No Parking on the Dance Floor, which went double platinum and featured hits like “Freak-A-Zoid,” “Wet My Whistle,” and the title track. Known for their high-energy performances and innovative production, Midnight Star followed up with Planetary Invasion in 1984, which included the R&B chart-topping single “Operator”. Despite lineup changes in the late ’80s, including the departure of the Calloway brothers who went on to form their own successful duo, the band continued to release music and tour. Midnight Star reunited in the 2000s and remains active, with original members still performing and celebrating their legacy as one of the defining acts of the electro-funk era.

Stokley Williams, known professionally as Stokley, is a GRAMMY-nominated vocalist, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist celebrated for his rich contributions to contemporary R&B and soul music. Born on July 15, 1967, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Stokley rose to prominence as the charismatic lead singer and drummer of the acclaimed band Mint Condition, which gained fame in the early 1990s with hits like “Breakin’ My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)” and “U Send Me Swingin’”. His musical upbringing in the vibrant Minneapolis scene, surrounded by legends like Prince and The Time, deeply influenced his artistry. After decades of success with Mint Condition, Stokley launched a solo career in 2017 with his debut album Introducing Stokley, showcasing his versatility and depth as a solo artist. The album featured collaborations with artists like Robert Glasper and Estelle, and produced chart-topping singles such as “Organic” and “Levels”. His follow-up album, Sankofa, continued to build on his legacy, with the single “She…” reaching number one on Billboard’s Adult R&B chart. Beyond his solo work, Stokley has collaborated with a wide array of artists including Janet Jackson, Usher, Kelly Price, and Wale, contributing vocals, production, and instrumentation across genres. In 2024, he expanded his creative reach by portraying Rick James in the stage musical Super Freak: A Rick James Story. With a career spanning over four decades, Stokley remains a vital force in music, blending tradition with innovation and continuing to inspire through his artistry.

The Mary Jane Girls were a dynamic American R&B, soul, funk, and disco girl group formed in 1979 in Los Angeles, California. Conceived by legendary musician Rick James, the group originally began as a solo project for vocalist Joanne “JoJo” McDuffie, but evolved into a full ensemble after a misunderstanding with Motown Records led James to present them as a group. The lineup included McDuffie as the lead singer, with Cheryl “Cheri” Bailey, Candice “Candi” Ghant, Kimberly “Maxi” Wuletich, and later Yvette “Corvette” Marine rounding out the group. Known for their provocative style and infectious hits like “In My House,” “All Night Long,” and “Candy Man,” the Mary Jane Girls blended sultry vocals with slick production, all under James’s creative direction. Though McDuffie handled most of the studio vocals, the group’s image and live performances were a key part of their appeal. They released two albums in the 1980s and recorded a third that was shelved until 2014. Despite disbanding in 1987, their legacy endures, with their music continuing to influence and resonate across generations

The Four Tops are a legendary American vocal quartet formed in Detroit in 1953. Originally known as the Four Aims, the group—Levi Stubbs, Abdul “Duke” Fakir, Renaldo “Obie” Benson, and Lawrence Payton—rose to fame as one of Motown’s most iconic acts. Their breakthrough hit, “Baby I Need Your Loving,” launched a string of chart-toppers like “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There.” Known for Stubbs’ commanding baritone and the group’s tight harmonies, they maintained their original lineup for over four decades, a rare feat in music. Their influence on soul, R&B, and pop was cemented with their 1990 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

In 2025, the Four Tops continue to perform with a refreshed lineup that honors their legacy. Following Duke Fakir’s, the last surviving original member, retirement and passing, the group now features Ronnie McNeir, Lawrence Payton Jr., Michael Brock, and the returning Theo Peoples. Brock, a soulful tenor from Michigan, joined in 2024, while Peoples—who previously sang lead for both the Temptations and the Four Tops—rejoined in early 2025. Their performances, including the “Tempts vs. Tops” tour, keep the spirit of the original group alive, bringing timeless hits to new audiences.

King George, based from Hopkins, South Carolina, is a rising star in the Southern soul and R&B music scene. Known for his smooth, nostalgic vocals and emotionally resonant storytelling, he blends old-school blues with modern production in hits like “Keep On Rollin’,” “Too Long,” and “Girl You Got It.” Influenced early by gospel and church music through his musically inclined parents, King George began his career independently, gaining traction via streaming platforms and grassroots touring. As president of Ace Visionz Productions, he maintains creative control and a strong connection with fans. His music celebrates love, life, and Southern culture, earning him millions of streams and an estimated net worth between $7 and $10 million.

Pleasure P, born Marcus Ramone Cooper, is a Grammy-nominated R&B singer and songwriter who first gained fame as a member of Pretty Ricky, contributing to hits like “Grind With Me.” He launched a successful solo career with his 2009 debut album The Introduction of Marcus Cooper, featuring singles like “Boyfriend #2.” Known for his smooth vocals and emotional lyrics, he’s also co-written chart-topping songs for artists like Lil Wayne and Flo Rida. Pleasure P continues to influence the R&B scene with music that explores love, growth, and resilience.