You’d think after (accidentally) creating “Nautilus,” Bob James would take it easy for the remainder of his musical career, content with composing one of the most sampled tunes in music. He’s not though, not by a damn sight. “Nautilus” aside, there are many other contributions to music that he’s made and is still making. Fondling the keys of his Fender Rhodes in the 1970s led to him create the jazz subgenre fusion/smooth jazz, which he’s been deemed the father of.

All that easy listening got chopped up into villainous, threatening soundscapes by The RZA, Large Professor, and Eric B to create some of hip-hop’s most famous neck-snapping beats. Even out west, Souls of Mischief were stepping away from P Funk heavy sounds and using songs like James’ “Angela” to create a new wave in California rap.

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