Unsung Season 18 is yet to be announced by TV One

The 2000s usher in not just a decade but a millennium, and the excitement and sense of opportunity that greet their arrival are reflected in the music and an historic election in the years that follow.

The 90s was a decade of triumph and turbulence, as R&B and hip hop went well beyond crossover to dominate the charts and define mainstream American music, while artists found ways to impact society in ways both serious and playful.

Das EFX gain popularity in the early '90s for their animated flow that birthed a new sound in hip-hop called the iggity flow; with No. 1 hits "They Want EFX" and "Mic Checka," Das EFX secure platinum success and a career that spans three decades.

P.M. Dawn topped the charts in the early '90s with hits "Set Adrift on Memory Bliss" and "I'd Die Without You," which explored the boundaries of hip-hop; surviving member Eternal shares on the group's success and honors the life of brother Prince Be.

Pete Rock is the first producer to be honored on "Unsung Presents: The Hitmakers"; the stories behind some of his top productions, including "T.R.O.Y.," with CL Smooth, Run-DMC's "Down with the King," "The World Is Yours" by Nas, and others.

Thelma Houston has been performing and entertaining fans for over 50 years with her soulful and powerful voice; Thelma comes together with friends and family to tell the story of her incredible journey.

Monie Love made her own lane as a rap star in the late '80s and early '90s with a unique style and socially-conscious lyrics; Monie tells her amazing story, which started as a dream and ended up changing the world of hip-hop.

Soul for Real bursts onto the R&B scene in the mid-'90s with a soulful sound that had a youthful twist; exploring Soul for Real's journey, from friends, family, and the four brothers who lived it.

The '80s were a decade of innovation and breakthroughs -- musically, politically and culturally -- by any means necessary, as the grittier sounds of early hip-hop were rising from the streets.

The 1970s arrived on waves of social unrest, with songs that spoke to both protest and affirmation; as the music industry flourished, the '70s grew into a golden age for R&B, bringing social consciousness to the dance floor.

The Jones Girls, a trio of sisters with some of the silkiest harmonies in the history of soul; Shirley Jones opens up about the journey she shared with her sisters in their rise to soul fame and how she is still carrying on the legacy today.

Struggles have kept some black music artists from achieving the commercial success they deserved.

Bobby Valentino makes his musical debut in the mid-'90s as part of the R&B teen group Mista.

Syleena Johnson is a singer and storyteller who started young and is still going strong.

Known as the "James Brown of Rap," Mystikal helped put New Orleans rap on the map.

Singer Keith Washington burst onto the '90s R&B scene with a sensual, smooth style that was undeniable.

Hezekiah Walker is a singer and pastor whose ministry has pushed the boundaries of traditional church and worship.

Leela James is a powerhouse singer-songwriter with a mission to bring the soul back into R&B music; in this episode, Leela opens up about her long journey to the top, the challenges along the way and her joy of juggling motherhood and music today.

Struggles have kept some black music artists from achieving the commercial success they deserved.

With a no nonsense style and larger than life persona, Ice-T has lived nine lives: pimp, bank robber, DJ, army officer, con man and even award winning actor and producer.

Shanice exploded on the worldwide stage in the early 90's with the four simple words "I Love Your Smile.''

Through the '70s, The Dramatics take the five-man vocal group to another level by seamlessly mixing powerful and piercing lead vocals with silky harmonies.

Switch, the multi-talented, multi-instrumental Midwestern powerhouse band bursts onto the black music scene as newcomers to the legendary Motown roster in the mid-'70s.

Marvin Sapp spreads the Gospel through song for over three decades; dominating the gospel charts in the 2000s with seven Top 10 hits.

The melodic harmonies of Jagged Edge dominate the early 2000s with back-to-back No. 1 hits and two double-platinum albums.

Wyclef Jean skyrockets to fame with his group, The Fugees, in the late '90s; hits like "We're Trying to Stay Alive'' and "Gone Till November.''

Known as one of the best voices in the business, Bobby "Blue" Bland's career spanned sixty years. With sixty-three charting singles, including the powerful, "Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City," Bobby had a sound ahead of his time, but needed the help of his wife to order his steps, and keep him from an early grave. Overcoming his demons, and learning deficiencies Bobby's legacy was cemented by his induction into the Rock and Roll hall of fame.

For three decades and counting, house music has dominated the dance floors by mixing the sonic innovation of hip hop with the ecstasy of soul and dance floor disco. Legendary djs, including rare interviews from the man known as the godfather of house – the late frankie knuckles – tell the story of an underground music that changed the world.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest rap lyricists ever, Kurupt might be your favorite rapper's favorite rapper. He became a household name recording with longtime friends Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and Nate Dogg at the height of the Death Row Records era in the 1990's.

A countdown of the 10 most exceptional episodes hosted by Donnie Simpson.