Itch and Scratch, Part 1

Recorded at Stax Records' Memphis operation with Rufus Thomas backed by the label's house musicians during a period when dance-oriented funk singles were central to his output. The session was built around a simple groove, rhythmic chants and a dance craze concept that Thomas frequently employed in his recordings. Released in 1970, the single continued Thomas's run of successful dance records and reinforced his role as one of Stax's most distinctive personalities. Its infectious rhythm and call-and-response structure made it popular with soul audiences and DJs. The recording became a favored source for hip-hop producers because of its hard drum break and sparse arrangement. It remains a respected funk classic and an important part of the Stax catalogue's influence on sampling culture.