The Lafayette Afro Rock Band

Lafayette Afro Rock Band was a French funk rock band formed in Long Island, New York in 1970. Though almost unknown in their native United States, they are now universally celebrated one of the standout funk bands of the 1970s and admired for their use of break beats.[1] Upon their relocation to Paris, the local music scene influenced the group's work, and they adopted the name Lafayette Afro Rock Band after releasing their debut LP.

Upon their relocation to Paris, the local music scene influenced the group's work, and they adopted the name Lafayette Afro Rock Band after releasing their debut LP. The band's next two LPs, Soul Makossa and Malik, respectively included the songs "Hihache"and "Darkest Light," which would be sampled in numerous culturally significant hip-hop compositions. Following collaborations with Mal Waldron and Sunnyland Slim, the band's popularity waned, leading to their breakup in 1978.