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The Lafayette Afro Rockband was formed in Long Island, NY, in 1971. Deciding that America was already saturated with funk acts, the group relocated to France. After the frontman returned to the U.S., the remaining members renamed themselves and became the house session band at producer Jean-Pierre Alarcen's Parisound studio. They regularly performed live in Paris' Barbès district, an area primarily inhabited by African immigrants. The group's driving funk began to incorporate African rhythms and textures. Following their 1973 debut LP, the band's name was changed to the Lafayette Afro Rock Band by Jaubert. In 1974, they released their second album, "Soul Makossa" (issued in the U.S. as "African Rock"), which featured the well-known and frequently sampled track "Hihache." Their follow-up album included the song "Darkest Light," notable for its desolate saxophone intro that was later sampled by Public Enemy for the track "Show 'Em Whatcha Got." In 1976, the group reverted to the Ice moniker. After returning to America in 1978, the band disbanded shortly thereafter. Although relatively unknown in their native U.S., the Lafayette Afro Rock Band was one of the premier funk outfits of the 1970s and became a significant source of samples and breaks for various artists.

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