Bra

Recorded in 1972 at De Lane Lea Studios in London, 'Bra' featured Cymande's original lineup, including Steve Scipio on bass, Patrick Patterson on guitar, Sam Kelly on drums, Pablo Gonsales on congas, Mike Rose, Derek Gibbs and Peter Serreo on saxophones, and Joey Dee and Ray King on vocals and percussion. Written by Patterson and Scipio, the recording was produced by John Schroeder during sessions for the group's self-titled debut album. Originally released in 1972 on Janus Records as part of Cymande's debut album, 'Bra' became one of the group's defining recordings and was subsequently issued as a single in 1973. Its interlocking bassline, guitar, percussion and horn arrangements helped establish the London-based band's international reputation, with the single reaching number 51 on Billboard's soul singles chart in 1973. The recording became an influential foundation of early hip-hop DJ culture, with pioneering Bronx DJs including Kool Herc incorporating Cymande's music into their sets. Its distinctive bassline and percussion were subsequently sampled by the Sugarhill Gang, De La Soul, Gang Starr and other hip-hop artists, while renewed interest in the group culminated in international reunion performances and the documentary Getting It Back: The Story of Cymande.