Mass Production
Mass Production is an American funk and disco musical group that originated in the early 1970s in Norfolk, Virginia. This ensemble is renowned for their vibrant sound and energetic performances, particularly during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
The band was formed by childhood friends Ricardo Williams, Tyrone Williams, and LeCoy Bryant, who shared a passion for music from a young age. Their joint efforts to create a band led them to gather a group of ten musicians, elaborating their sound and style reminiscent of influential R&B bands of that era, such as Earth, Wind & Fire. They were deeply influenced by the funk and disco movements that were prominent during that time.
Mass Production achieved significant commercial success with their 1979 hit "Firecracker," which became one of their signature songs and even peaked in the Top Five of the R&B charts. This track exemplified their signature blend of funk and disco, propelling them to fame. Overall, they released eight albums, primarily under the Cotillion label, and amassed a series of R&B hits throughout their career.
Today, Mass Production is recognized for their contributions to the funk and disco genres, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate in the music world. Their ability to create timeless club anthems has solidified their status as a significant act in the history of American music.
Believe
Written-By – Ricardo Williams
5:20
A2 I Believe In Music
Written-By – Ricardo Williams
6:46
A3 Being Here
Written-By – Ricardo Williams
6:20
A4 We Love You
Written-By – Otis Drumgole, Rodney Phelps
0:40
B1 Keep My Heart Together
Written-By – Gregory McCoy, Otis Drumgole
3:58
B2 Cosmic Lust
Written-By – Gregory McCoy
5:53
B3 Superlative
Written-By – Otis Drumgole, Rodney Phelps
4:33
B4 People Get Up
Written-By – Ricardo Williams
5:43
Label: Cotillion – SD 9918
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1977
Genre: R&B Jazz, Funk, Soul
Style: Seventies Funk, Disco
Firecrackers... The Best Of Mass Production
2 Can't You See I'm Fired Up 6:48
3 Turn Up The Music 5:02
4 Wine-Flow Disco 6:12
5 Inner City 6:27
6 Welcome To Our World (Of Merry Music) 7:35
7 Forever 5:47
8 Sunshine 4:19
9 Sun Dancer 4:54
10 Angel 4:51
11 Never Ever 3:51
12 Victory '83 4:21
Label: Rhino Records – R2 72522
Format: CD, Compilation
Country: US
Released: 1996
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul
Style: Electronic, Funk, Disco
In The Purest Form
Lead Vocals – Ricardo "Ricky" Williams
Written-By – R. Williams
6:13
A1.b Love You
Written-By – R. Williams
6:43
A2 With Pleasure
Written-By – G. McCoy, J. Drumgole, L. Bryant, A. Kelly
4:33
A3 Our Thoughts (Purity)
Written-By – R. Phelps
2:27
B1 Can't You See I'm Fired Up
Percussion [Percussion Ensemble], Handclaps – The Bookalaca Brothers
Written-By – G. McCoy, J. Drumgole
6:46
B2 Eyeballin'
Written-By – E. Redding, G. McCoy, J. Drumgole, L. Marshall
5:16
B3 Next Year
Written-By – J. Drumgole, K. Douglas, R. Phelps
3:45
B4 Strollin'
Written-By – T. Williams
4:11
Label: Cotillion – SD 5211
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1979
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul, Disco, Funk
Mass Production's 1979 album, "In The Purest Form," is a celebrated funk, soul, and jazz-funk record known for its tight grooves, powerful horns, prominent basslines, and diverse mix of danceable tracks and smooth ballads, featuring hits like "Firecracker," "Can't You See I'm Fired Up," and jazzy instrumentals such as "Our Thought (Purity)". The album showcases the Virginia-based ten-piece band's strong musicianship and energetic delivery, solidifying their place as a key modern funk ensemble of the late '70s.
The album seamlessly blends uptempo funk, disco-funk, soulful ballads, and jazzy instrumentals, with a powerful horn section, driving bass, and tight rhythms, creating a rich, full sound with excellent vocals, primarily by Agnes Kelly and Ricardo Williams, perfectly match the varied material.
It includes the stomping "Firecracker," the energetic "Can't You See I'm Fired Up," the soulful "Next Year," and the cool, jazzy "Strollin'". Expanded CD reissues (often paired with their album Massterpiece) include bonus tracks like 12" single versions, highlighting its enduring appeal. This opening cut became the band's first Top 5 R&B single in the U.S. and remains their most famous track. It was notably sampled by 2 Live Crew for their 1989 hit "Me So Horny".
In essence, "In The Purest Form" captures Mass Production at their peak, delivering a dynamic and diverse funk experience.