Ashley’s Roachclip

Recorded in Washington, D.C. by The Soul Searchers under the direction of Chuck Brown, the instrumental appeared on the album Salt of the Earth. The session featured the band's signature go-go-inflected funk sound, anchored by drummer Rudy 'Footz' Daniels and an extended rhythm section groove. Released in 1974, the track was not a major chart hit but became a standout cut within the group's catalog. Its sparse arrangement and exceptionally clean drum break distinguished it from many contemporary funk recordings. The recording contains one of the most sampled drum breaks in music history, making it a foundational source for hip-hop, electronic music and pop production. Its influence extends across thousands of recordings and has secured its status as a cornerstone of sample-based music.