Unwind Yourself

Recorded during Marva Whitney's early association with James Brown Productions, 'Unwind Yourself' featured Whitney's forceful lead vocals over a tightly arranged instrumental backing. Produced and arranged by James Brown, the composition was written by Hank Ballard and Charles Spurling and originally released as a King Records single in January 1968. Released on King Records in 1968, 'Unwind Yourself' established Whitney's distinctive vocal presence within James Brown's recording circle. Although the single did not enter the national charts, it became part of her 1969 debut album It's My Thing, highlighting Brown's developing emphasis on rhythmic arrangements and instrumental interplay. The recording became a cornerstone of hip-hop sampling through its distinctive saxophone introduction, most famously used by The 45 King on his 1987 instrumental 'The 900 Number'. That sample subsequently reached wider audiences through DJ Kool's 'Let Me Clear My Throat', DJ Chad Jackson's 'Hear the Drummer (Get Wicked)' and Mac Miller's 'Party on Fifth Ave.', establishing the original recording as an enduring source for DJs and producers.