“Which 1977 Slave single topped the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart? The answer is “Slide.”” Released by Cotillion in 1977, “Slide” was the lead single from Slave’s self-titled debut album. The band came from Dayton, Ohio, and its tightly arranged combination of funk rhythm guitar, prominent bass, horns, and dance-floor momentum quickly established its sound.
“Slide” was Slave’s biggest early breakthrough. It reached No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B singles chart, the chart now known as Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, while also climbing to No. 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 58 in Canada. The album Slave performed strongly too, reaching No. 22 on the Billboard 200 and No. 6 on the R&B albums chart.
A common mix-up is confusing the song with later Slave hits such as “Just a Touch of Love” or “Watching You.” Neither topped the R&B chart in 1977. “Slide” also later gained a second life through sampling, including appearances in hip-hop recordings and the 2002 film Friday After Next.