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The Lafayette Afro Rock Band, originally formed in Long Island, NY, relocated to France in 1971, seeking to distinguish themselves from the saturated American funk scene. After the frontman returned to the U.S., the remaining members renamed themselves and became the house session band at producer Jean-Pierre Jaubert's Parisound studio. They regularly performed live in Paris' Barbès district, which was largely populated by African immigrants, and their sound evolved to incorporate African rhythms and textures. Following their 1973 debut LP, Jaubert changed the group's name to the Lafayette Afro Rock Band. In 1974, they released their second album, "Soul Makossa" (released in the U.S. as "African Rock"), featuring the popular track "Hihache." Their follow-up album included "Darkest Light," which gained recognition for its saxophone intro later sampled by other artists. In 1976, the group reverted to the Ice moniker. After returning to America in 1978, the band disbanded shortly thereafter. Despite being relatively unknown in the U.S., the Lafayette Afro Rock Band was a prominent funk outfit of the 1970s and became a significant source of samples and breaks for many artists.

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