You might not think you know this set of electronic drums from Mica-Sonic, but rest assured, you do. Depending on your age, you know them from one of two places.
The first would be Ann Peebles' "I Can't Stand the Rain," the majestic title track of her 1973 album. Or, if you're a little younger, it's all thanks to Missy Elliott's "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)." That 1997 track prominently sampled the electronic drum beat and hook from Peebles' classic.
With Elliott's song and accompanying music video on constant rotation that year—the one featuring her iconic blow-up suit—you simply couldn't miss the Mica-Sonic sound.
Mica-Sonics don't pop up for sale very often, but right now on Reverb you can find a set from the Poland-based Gwadermistrz shop.
As Gwadermistrz's listing explains, the Mica-Sonic set includes five e-drums in total: two congas, two bongos, and a wood block. A "mute" control on each one toggles a reverb sound on and off.
While most prominently featured in Peebles' and Elliott's hits, Mica-Sonics have also been spotted out in the wild with none other than Madlib, who played a set for his collaborative Tiny Desk Concert with Freddie Gibbs.
Find the Mica-Sonic listing here or check out our previous Finds of the Week.