Darkest Light (Remastered)

Recorded in Paris at producer Pierre Jaubert's Parisound studio for the Lafayette Afro Rock Band's album Malik. The ensemble included Lafayette Hudson on bass, Donny Donable on drums, Frank Abel on keyboards, Larry Jones and Ronnie Buttacavoli on horns, and Keno Speller and Arthur Young on percussion, with saxophonist Leroy Gomez contributing the recording's distinctive opening phrase. Originally released in 1974 on America Records, 'Darkest Light' appeared on the second side of Malik. Its striking opening saxophone melody, driving bassline and layered percussion demonstrated the musical identity developed by the American musicians after relocating to Paris and absorbing influences from the city's African music scene. The recording became one of the most influential sample sources in hip-hop, particularly through its distinctive saxophone introduction. Public Enemy sampled it on 'Show 'Em Whatcha Got' in 1988, Wreckx-N-Effect used it for 'Rump Shaker' in 1992, and Jay-Z incorporated it into 'Show Me What You Got' in 2006, establishing the recording's enduring influence across generations of producers.