Kool & the Gang Songs You Must Own

Essentials from the group's vintage catalog.

Kool & the Gang Songs You Must Own - For 45 years, the iconic funk/R&B band Kool & the Gang has been churning out classics that have become a part of both America's hit parade and the Black urban lexicon (remember the old response: "That's Kool...and the Gang"). Since you may not have a moment to go through all their LPs for the hits, we've assembled a list of their essential songs right here. Click on for the cuts that have made K&TG the legends that they are.  (Photo: GAB Archive/Redferns)
"Jungle Boogie"  - With the commercialization of Black pride in full swing, Kool & the Gang's first hit was one of the party hits of the time. This 1973 full-on funk classic would later be sampled by hip hop artists from EPMD to the Beastie Boys.  (Photo: De-Lite Records)
"Funky Stuff"  - With its blaring horns, hard-hitting rhythm and party chants, this classic track — from the group's Wild and Peaceful LP — helped to redefine funk for a new generation.   (Photo: De-Lite Records)"Hollywood Swinging"  - At a time when Black leaders in entertainment — from Motown to the TV show Soul Train — moved to Hollywood, Kool & the Gang crafted the perfect anthem for such a development. In 1997, DJ Kool would give the classic a new life as the intro to his own party smash "Let Me Clear My Throat." (Photo: Polydor Records)

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Kool & the Gang Songs You Must Own - For 45 years, the iconic funk/R&B band Kool & the Gang has been churning out classics that have become a part of both America's hit parade and the Black urban lexicon (remember the old response: "That's Kool...and the Gang"). Since you may not have a moment to go through all their LPs for the hits, we've assembled a list of their essential songs right here. Click on for the cuts that have made K&TG the legends that they are.  (Photo: GAB Archive/Redferns)

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