James Mtume was a visionary songwriter, producer, and bandleader whose work bridged jazz, soul, and funk with a forward-looking sense of rhythm and social consciousness. After performing with jazz greats like Miles Davis in the early 1970s, he gained acclaim as the leader of the funk group Mtume, best known for the 1983 hit “Juicy Fruit.” His innovative fusion of groove, message, and production helped shape modern R&B and hip-hop, leaving an enduring influence on generations of artists.