5 Facts About Cymande's "Tough Gong"

Cymande recorded “Tough Gong” in the early 1970s. The band was a British-Caribbean funk group formed in London.

The track features a heavy, percussive groove. It relies on a driving bassline and tight drumming, typical of Cymande’s sound.

“Tough Gong” was part of Cymande’s second album, “Promised Heights.” The album was released in 1974.

The song has been sampled by hip-hop and electronic artists. Its breakbeat has appeared in tracks by De La Soul and others.

Cymande’s music was largely ignored in the UK at the time. It gained a cult following later through rare-groove and hip-hop circles.