The Funky Four is a rap group that made music history. They were the first rap group to have a female rapper among its membership and the first of its kind to get signed to a record label, Enjoy Records, in 1979. A later incarnation, The Funky Four Plus One More, was also the first rap group to ever perform on live national television, appearing on the hit sketch comedy show, “Saturday Night Live” on Valentine’s Day in 1981.
Unlike many other Bronx-based rap groups, The Funky Four had a female MC – Sha Rock. The original members were K.K. Rockwell, Keith Keith, Sha Rock and Rahiem. But some of the members rotated, citing issues with the management and style. Rahiem left to join Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, followed by Sha Rock, who left temporarily. The two were replaced by Lil’ Rodney C. and Jazzy Jeff. When Sha Rock returned, she became the Plus One, forming the group’s new name, The Funky Four Plus One More.
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