Skull Snaps – Skull Snaps

Skull Snaps’ self-titled 1973 album is a cult classic of funk and soul, remembered as much for its mysterious origins as for its enduring influence on hip-hop.

Released on the small GSF Records label, Skull Snaps was the only album by the enigmatic trio, who emerged from New York’s soul scene and then disappeared almost as quickly as they arrived. The band—formed by Ervan Waters, Sam O. Culley, and George Bragg—crafted a record that blended smooth soul harmonies with gritty funk grooves, creating a sound that was both polished and raw. Despite its quality, the album initially slipped into obscurity, partly due to poor promotion and the group’s cryptic image, which included an eerie cover featuring skeletons rather than the musicians themselves.

Musically, the album sits at the crossroads of Philly soul, psychedelic funk, and hard-edged R&B. It features lush string arrangements, brass flourishes, and tight rhythm sections, but what truly set it apart was its drum work. The track “It’s a New Day” contains one of the most iconic breakbeats in music history, later sampled by countless hip-hop artists including Gang Starr, Camp Lo, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Lords of the Underground, and Diamond D. This single drum pattern helped cement the album’s reputation decades after its release, transforming it from a forgotten funk record into a cornerstone of sampling culture.