If you want to talk about trendsetters and ground-breakers in hip hop history, Funky 4 + 1 is definitely in the conversation. If you’re wondering how they got the name, the group went through a few transformations. Originally made up of group members K.K. Rockwell, Keith Keith, Sha Rock, and Rahiem, Rahiem left the group to join Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five. Around the same time, Sha Rock temporarily left the group, forcing them to replace their members. Becoming the New Funky Four, the group added Lil Rodney C! and Jazzy Jeff (not to be confused with DJ Jazzy Jeff that used to rock with Will Smith). Sha Rock later rejoined the group, becoming the “Plus One”.

Funk Four + 1 was the first hip hop group out of the Bronx to receive a record deal, but they are known most notably for being one of the first groups ever to have a female MC. They are also the first hip hop group to appear on national television, going onto Saturday Night Live in 1981. With hits like “That’s That Joint”, “Rappin & Rockin The House” (which was more than 15 minutes long!) and “King Heroin” (recorded by Jazzy Jeff), Funky 4 + 1 has definitely help open up doors for other hip hop groups and artists that came after them. So, to Funk 4 + 1, we say…Respect Due.

What are your thoughts on Funky 4 + 1? What do you think is their most significant accomplishment? Leave all your opinions here and you can e-mail at straightouttahiphop@gmail.com.

Peace.

*Information found at wikipedia.org and oldschoolhiphop.com.