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Zapp

Zapp, also known as the Zapp Band, is a seminal funk outfit that was formed in Dayton, Ohio, in the late 1970s. The band was fronted by the Troutman brothers—Roger, Larry, Lester, and Terry—but its undisputed mastermind was Roger Troutman, whose use of the talk box became a defining feature of the group's signature sound. Their self-titled debut album, "Zapp," released in 1980, immediately put them on the map with its blend of soulful funk rhythms and futuristic electronic sounds. The single "More Bounce to the Ounce" became a funk anthem, and to this day, it stands as one of the band's most enduring hits, characterized by its slapping basslines and Roger's talk box-laden vocals.

Throughout the '80s, Zapp continued to release a string of successful albums such as "Zapp II," "Zapp III," and "The New Zapp IV U," each of which contributed to the defining sound of the decade's R&B and funk scenes. The band's music often featured a blend of traditional instruments and electronic elements, creating a distinctive style that influenced the development of G-Funk and other sub-genres of hip-hop. Tragically, Roger Troutman's life was cut short in 1999, but the legacy of Zapp lives on through their impact on music and subsequent album releases such as "Zapp V" and "Zapp VI Back By Popular Demand." With a clear reverberation through contemporary music, samples of Zapp's work can be heard in the tracks of countless artists who have sought to capture a piece of that classic Zapp magic. Their later compilations, "Ol' Skool Music, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2," serve as testaments to their enduring appeal and continuing influence on the music industry.

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