Diddy revisited the classic slow jam, delivering it to The Notorious B.I.G., who molded his 1994 single into one of the most enduring rap anthems in history.Ģ. The Isley Brothers unleashed their bedroom ballad, “Between the Sheets,” in 1983, and barely a decade later Chucky Thompson and P. Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, & Lena Waithe Partner For 'Verzuz'-Inspired Doc, 'Gifted & Black'Īs music lovers across the globe prepare for an unforgettable night of great entertainment and insights behind some of the most iconic records of all time, VIBE takes a deep dive into The Isley Brothers’ and Earth, Wind & Fire’s contributions to hip-hop and highlights fifty classic rap songs that wouldn’t exist without their music. That reverberation is bolstered in part by the work of various figures within hip-hop, who have drawn from their respective catalogs in the parocess of creating a soundtrack of their own, resulting in even more music that has and will go on to stand the test of time. Dominating the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, both groups are responsible for dozens of classics that doubled as a soundtrack to black life in America and continue to reverberate decades after their creation. They are recognized as two of the most decorated and influential black bands of musicians of the past century. Two predecessors that have played a pivotal role in shaping rap music are The Isley Brothers and Earth, Wind & Fire. Over time, however, it has become embraced, as it signals a bridging of the gap between generations and benefits each party and keeps the music alive and thriving, past, present, and beyond. Many of rap’s most monumental records have been enhanced by samples of material from artists that came before them, a practice that was once frowned upon by those very artists. In addition to those who were of age during each band’s prime years will be a generation of rap fans tuning in, who know them from their favorite rap songs, as well as their own original classic material that is rooted in R&B, Funk, and Soul. Today, Easter Sunday (April 4), legendary music groups The Isley Brothers and Earth, Wind & Fire are set to participate in the latest Verzuz showdown and the second since its partnership with streaming platform Triller.