Synthetic Substitution

Recorded in 1972 and released as a single by drummer and vocalist Melvin Bliss, the track featured Bernard Purdie on drums and was produced during New York recording sessions for Sunburst Records. The recording centered on a distinctive drum break backed by tight soul-funk instrumentation. The single achieved modest commercial impact upon release but stood out for its hard-hitting rhythm section and memorable groove. Its drum break became one of the most recognizable beats in funk and early DJ culture. The recording became one of the most sampled tracks in hip-hop history, with its drum break appearing in hundreds of later recordings. It remains a foundational breakbeat in rap, turntablism and sample-based music production.