The Disco Four were a pioneering hip-hop group that emerged from the South Bronx in the late 1970s. The group consisted of members Greg G, DJ Al Bee, Country, and Kool Gee. They were known for their energetic live performances, intricate rhymes, and the use of call-and-response vocals.
The Disco Four’s early career began in 1977 when they formed under the name “The Brothers Disco.” The group quickly gained a reputation for their dynamic live performances and were soon discovered by Bobby Robinson, the owner of Enjoy Records. Robinson signed the group to his label, and they released their first single, “Move With The Groove,” in 1979.
The Disco Four’s early releases were disco-influenced party tracks that incorporated elements of funk and soul. However, their sound would soon evolve into the hard-hitting, socially conscious hip-hop that they are best known for.
In 1980, The Disco Four released their first full-length album, “Get Busy.” The album featured tracks like “Do It, Do It” and “Breaking and Entering,” which showcased the group’s lyrical prowess and their ability to tell stories through their rhymes.
The Disco Four continued to release music throughout the early 1980s, with standout tracks like “We’re At The Party,” “Throwdown,” and “Get Up And Dance.” They were also known for their collaborations with other artists, including rapper and producer Pumpkin, who worked with the group on tracks like “Pumpkin’s Beat” and “Take It To The Max.”
In 1983, The Disco Four released their second album, “Can You Dig It.” The album featured tracks like “Do It, Do It (Go On and On)” and “Get Up And Boogie,” which showcased the group’s ability to combine funky, danceable beats with socially conscious lyrics.
By the mid-1980s, The Disco Four’s popularity began to wane, and the group disbanded in 1985. However, their influence on hip-hop cannot be overstated. The group’s use of call-and-response vocals, intricate rhymes, and socially conscious lyrics paved the way for many of the great hip-hop artists that followed them.
Today, The Disco Four are remembered as pioneers of the hip-hop genre, and their music continues to inspire new generations of artists. Their legacy is a testament to the power of music and the enduring influence of the South Bronx on American popular culture.
