McCray led the band from 1977 to 1978, when they were still a jazz fusion outfit known as MIND POWER. He’s credited with introducing his bandmates to punk rock, specifically through albums by SEX PISTOLS and RAMONES. Eventually, the band took on the name BAD BRAINS in reference to the RAMONES song of the same name.

McCray wrote early BAD BRAINS songs like “The Regulator”, but ultimately stepped aside as frontman to let his friend and guitarist H.R. take over. 

 

As BAD BRAINS were transitioning to a hardcore sound, they were also displaying a reggae influence that didn’t mesh with McCray.

 

McCray reunited with BAD BRAINS for an unannounced appearance at bassist Darryl Jenifer’s art exhibition in November, 2017. SidMac played one song with his old bandmates, his first time sharing the stage with BAD BRAINS in 39 years.