THE ORIGINAL FUNK DIVA! Recent female artists like Joi, Nikka Costa, Macy Gray, and Kelis remain heavily in her debt for the ground-breaking work she laid down a generation prior.

Millie's "drama queen" influence on today's generation of female R&B singers is unmistakable. Often imitated, but never duplicated.

Note: this is probably Taylor's best individual effort when it comes down to it. Not a single dud to be found here.

Brown's original debut is still the best showcase for her "Aretha-esque" vocals. Bad timing (Stax going under) was what really kept her career from taking off.

William "Bootsy" Collins was recognized more for his colorful stage persona alongside George Clinton's "P-Funk" collective than he was for his stellar bass playing. These are his best works to date.

Note: This (the original Mercury release, NOT the Hip-O Select version) has become an extremely rare collection to find. Should you ever come across it, GET IT WHILE YOU CAN!!!!!!

Most people only know her from the disco-styled hit 'Young Hearts Run Free' in the mid-'70s. This fine collection of her early FAME years offers a MUCH BIGGER picture than that, so if you truly dig what you're hearing...

It takes an album of this quality to show just how unappreciated true talent is in the music industry nowadays. Count Regina Belle among the ranks.

Atlanta native Kimberly Holloway is another up and comer with a jazz/funk/soul amalgam that's as spiritually uplifting as it is downright infectious. She's also one of the few indie artists today maintaining a fully-stocked working band (even sporting a brass section at times).

Hard to believe Atlantic had all but Ruthie signed back in the early '90s, but tending to her ailing mother at the time quickly nixed that deal. Probably a good thing too, for her indie output virtually rivals (and in many ways surpasses) anything the major labels have come up with in recent years. Acoustic soul at its most definitive and penetrating.

Raw, hard-hitting grooves from what is arguably Australia's funkiest export going today. Old-school inspired to be sure, but thoroughly modern in their sensibilities. Fans of Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings will dig these guys through and through. Count on it!

The richly percussive, funky, and soulful sounds of 'Afrobeat' proudly live on in groups like this Brooklyn-based collective that's already generated a huge underground buzz due to their often electrifying on-stage workouts.