PMA (positive Mental Attitude)

Biography

There is no evidence of a distinct musical artist or group formally known as 'PMA (Positive Mental Attitude)' in credible music databases, biographical sources, or reputable media coverage. The term 'PMA'—short for Positive Mental Attitude—originates from the philosophy popularized by Napoleon Hill in his 1937 book 'Think and Grow Rich' and was later adopted as a core ethos by the influential punk band Bad Brains in the early 1980s. The phrase became a rallying cry within punk and hardcore communities, symbolizing resilience, optimism, and self-empowerment, but it does not refer to a specific artist or band with a documented career, discography, or biographical narrative.

Instead, 'PMA' is best understood as a cultural and philosophical concept that has deeply influenced the punk and hardcore music scenes, with its most prominent musical association being through Bad Brains and their frontman H.R. The phrase appears in their 1982 song 'Attitude' and has since been referenced by numerous artists as a guiding principle. Various musicians, such as Jesse Malin and John Joseph, have cited PMA as a source of inspiration in their personal lives and creative work, but there is no standalone artist or group by this name with an individual legacy or catalog.

Fun Facts

• The phrase 'Positive Mental Attitude' was first coined by Napoleon Hill, not a musician, and later adopted by the punk scene.
• Bad Brains' song 'Attitude' (1982) is widely credited with introducing 'PMA' to punk and hardcore music culture.
• Jesse Malin and John Joseph both cite PMA as a life-changing philosophy, with Joseph even writing a book about it.
• There is a Japanese idol group single titled 'PMA (Positive Mental Attitude)' released by BiS in 2021, but this is not a standalone artist or group.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Napoleon Hill - Originator of the Positive Mental Attitude philosophy, which inspired the term's adoption in music. (Think and Grow Rich (1937), Success Through a Positive Mental Attitude (1959)) [1930s–1950s]

Key Collaborators

• Bad Brains - Pioneers of the PMA concept in punk music; their song 'Attitude' popularized the phrase. (Attitude (1982), Bad Brains (self-titled album)) [1980s]

Artists Influenced

• Jesse Malin - Adopted the PMA philosophy as a personal and artistic mantra, referencing it in his music and public statements. (Sad and Beautiful World (2021), collaborations with H.R.) [2000s–2020s]
• John Joseph - Wrote 'The PMA Effect' and credits PMA with transforming his life and career as a musician and author. (The PMA Effect (book), Cro-Mags (band)) [1980s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Dub Confession Version (PMA)
2. Tree Sap (PMA)
3. Karma (PMA)
4. Music (PMA)
5. Dance (PMA)
6. Embargo Dub (PMA)
7. Digga Digga Doo Doo (PMA)
8. A Song 4 Her (PMA)
9. Walkin' by the Riverside (PMA)
10. Little Easton (PMA)

External Links

• Spotify