NT

Recorded live on 29 May 1971 at P.J.'s nightclub in West Hollywood, California, 'N.T.' features Kool & the Gang's original instrumental lineup, including Robert 'Kool' Bell on bass, George Brown on drums, Ronald Bell on saxophone, Robert Mickens on trumpet, Dennis Thomas on saxophone and Ricky Westfield on keyboards. The performance was produced by Gene Redd for the group's second live album, Live at P.J.'s. Released in 1971 on De-Lite Records, 'N.T.' combined extended instrumental improvisation with tightly coordinated horn arrangements and a powerful rhythmic foundation. The recording became a standout from Live at P.J.'s, an album that reached number 24 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart and demonstrated the band's growing reputation as a live ensemble. 'N.T.' became one of the most extensively sampled recordings in hip-hop, particularly for George Brown's distinctive drum break. Its percussion has appeared in recordings including N.W.A's 'Gangsta Gangsta', Nas's 'N.Y. State of Mind' and 'It Ain't Hard to Tell', and Q-Tip's 'Breathe and Stop', establishing the track as a foundational source for hip-hop producers.