Kool & the Gang Tribute at 2014 Soul Train Awards

Kool and the Gang is one of music's most underrated groups, and that's not just because of the quality of their songs. As hip-hop historian Questlove demonstrated in a segment, their music has been constantly sampled for decades. In fact, they're the most sampled group in hip-hop.

The funk pioneers got their shine at the 2014 Soul Train Awards Sunday night (Nov. 30) when they were awarded the Soul Train Legends Award -- the ceremonies' equivalent to a lifetime achievement award. As the usual custom goes, a slew of artists came out to honor the legendary group in the preceding tribute performance.

The performance brought out artists from past and present: Elle Varner, Doug E. Fresh, MC Lyte, Tank, Tamar Braxton and Mase. The closing set doubled as a tribute to Don Cornelius' 'Soul Train' TV show and the clock temporarily turned backwards as songs like 'Summertime Madness,' 'Jungle Boogie,' 'Get Down On It' and a few other jams were performed.