Cult underground and highly influential Rastafarian Crossover Hardcore. The original band comprised vocalist H.R. (a.k.a. Paul Hudson), guitarist Dr. Know (real name Gary Wayne Miller), bassist Darryl Aaron Jenifer and drummer Earl Hudson. All the members had been seasoned in Jazz Rock acts on the local Washington D.C. club scene. Their early adventurous endeavours would come to the fore with the high profile Hardcore Punk and Reggae combination BAD BRAINS.

The band's debut album was produced by THE CARS guitarist Rik Ocasek. An attempt was made to support the DAMNED on a tour of Britain but BAD BRAINS had their work permits refused. In 1986 H.R. decamped to go solo. Following the 'I Against I' album BAD BRAINS drafted former FAITH NO MORE and CEMENT vocalist Chuck Moseley. His tenure was brief though and Moseley was ousted before recording anything.

The band added ex-CRO MAGS and BLITZSPEER drummer Jason Mackie in 1988. BAD BRAINS line-up was stabilized when both Hudson brothers returned to the fold for the 'Quickness' record. Both Hudson's jumped ship once more and BAD BRAINS enlisted singer Israel Joseph-I and a returning Mackie. UK headline shows in October of 1993 would be conducted with DOG EAT DOG as support alongside co-headline shows with FISHBONE.

The 1995 album, recorded for the MADONNA owned Maverick label, saw BAD BRAINS back with producer Rik Ocasek and also H.R. Predictably the latter's term was short. A mid tour band bust up led to H.R.'s permanent dismissel, the ex-singer also having to face up to drug charges to boot.

The B-side to Brazilian Metal band SEPULTURA's 'Choke' featured reworks of BAD BRAINS tracks 'Gene Machine' and 'Don't Bother Me'.

A 1999 tribute album 'Never Give In' featured such heavyweights acts as SEPULTURA, ENTOMBED, DOWNSET, MOBY, WILLHAVEN, IGNITE and SKINLAB paying homage.

H.R. would put in a high profile guest appearance on the 2001 P.O.D. no. 1 album 'Satelitte', rapping on the track 'Without Jah, Nothin'. Mackie returned to the scene in 2003 as part of the 'all star' Hardcore project HAZEN STREET, a union comprising MADBALL vocalist Freddy Cricen, H2O singer Toby Morse, NEW FOUND GLORY guitarist Chad Gilbert, BOX CAR RACER guitarist David Kennedy and MADBALL bassist Hoya Roc.