Former jazz percussionist James Mtume moved into Urban Contemporary and funk in the late '70s, and became one of the more successful producers and performers in both styles during the '80s. Son of the great jazz saxophonist Jimmy Heath, Mtume was a conga player and percussionist who recorded and toured with Miles Davis. Mtume's band included the sassy, sultry vocalist Tawatha Agee, keyboardist Phil Fields, and bassist Ray Johnson. They had a number one R&B hit with Juicy Fruit for Epic in 1983 and a number two single in 1984 with You, me and he. They recorded for Epic until the late '80s. Agee went solo in 1987. Their final top 10 hit was Breathless in 1986. Mtume also teamed with another ex-jazz musician, Reggie Lucas. They produced and/or wrote for such artists as Stephanie Mills and Phyllis Hyman. The duo worked on the LP In Search of the Rainbow Seekers for Epic in 1980. Mtume worked on his own as a producer with several artists, among them Levert, Tyrone Brunson, Roy Ayers, Henderson, Tease, and Sue Ann.

Mtume In search of the rainbow seekers 1980 Epic James Mtume & Reggie Lucas 10 Mtume Green light 1983 Epic James Mtume 2 Mtume Juicy fruit 1983 Epic James Mtume 8 Mtume Juicy fruit & Prime time 1984 Discs Tapes James Mtume 4 Mtume Prime time 1984 Epic James Mtume 4 Mtume You, me and he 1984 Epic James Mtume 8 Mtume Body & soul (take me) 1986 Epic James Mtume 2 Mtume Breathless 1986 Epic James Mtume 3 Mtume P.o.p. generation 1986 Epic James Mtume 2 Mtume Theater of the mind 1986 Epic James Mtume 9