Mtume
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Mtume (pronounced em-tu-may) was a funk and soul group founded by percussionist James Mtume, who previously had played with Miles Davis in the 1970s.
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[edit] History
Mtume's most famous single is "Juicy Fruit" from 1983, which hit number one on the U.S. R&B chart. This was later sampled for the Notorious B.I.G song "Juicy", from his 1994 album Ready to Die, as well as the 2004 "Be Your Girl" remix by Teedra Moses and Raphael Saadiq. In 2007 "Juicy Fruit" was just sampled for Keyshia Cole's single "Let It Go", which also topped the U.S. R&B chart.
Band members Reggie Lucas and James Mtume produced several songs for Stephanie Mills in the late 70s and early 80s, including the Grammy winning single "Never Knew Love Like This Before" from 1979. James Mtume also produced a few tracks on Bar-Kays' 1989 album Animal. Reggie Lucas also produced the majority of Madonna's first album, including "Holiday" and "Physical Attraction". James Mtume also composed the music and theme for the 90's Fox/Universal Studios urban cop drama, New York Undercover, whose theme mirrored the previous decade's Miami Vice in that a musical guest was on the show frequently.
Mtume is the son of saxophonist Jimmy Heath. He was percussionist with Miles Davis from 1971 to 1975.
[edit] Lineups
The 1978–80 lineup was:
- James Mtume (vocals, percussion, keyboards)
- Hubert Eaves III (keyboards)
- Tawatha Agee (vocals)
- Reggie Lucas (guitars)
- Basil Fearington (bass)
- Howard King (drums)
The 1983–86 lineup was:
- James Mtume (vocals, keyboards)
- Tawatha Agee (vocals)
- Raymond Jackson (bass)
- Philip Field (keyboards)
- Ed "Three" Moore (guitars)
- Leslie Ming (drums)
[edit] Discography
[edit] Albums
- Kiss This World Goodbye (1978)
- In Search of the Rainbow Seekers (1980)
- Juicy Fruit (1983)
- You, Me and He (1984)
- Theater of the Mind (1986)
