ESG

Biography

ESG is a pioneering band formed in 1978 in the South Bronx, New York City, by the Scroggins sisters—Renee, Valerie, Deborah, and Marie—along with friend Tito Libran. Raised in a working-class family, the sisters were encouraged by their mother, who bought them instruments to keep them engaged and out of trouble. Largely self-taught, they developed a distinctive sound that fused post-punk, funk, and post-disco minimalism, characterized by sparse arrangements, hypnotic basslines, and polyrhythmic percussion. Their music quickly found a home in New York’s vibrant no wave and post-punk scenes, with early support from Ed Bahlman of 99 Records, who managed and produced them.

ESG’s 1981 debut EP, produced by Martin Hannett (noted for his work with Joy Division and New Order), featured tracks like 'Moody' and 'UFO,' which became underground dance anthems and were widely sampled in hip-hop, dance, and indie rock. Over the decades, ESG’s lineup evolved to include daughters and other relatives, but the group remained a family affair, led by Renee Scroggins. Despite periods of inactivity, ESG continued to release music and perform live, with their minimalist funk and dance-punk style exerting a profound influence on multiple genres. Their legacy is cemented by their status as one of the most sampled bands in history and as forebearers of the dance-punk and hip-hop movements.

Fun Facts

• The band’s name, ESG, stands for Emerald, Sapphire, and Gold—reflecting the birthstones of two founding sisters and their aspiration for a gold record.
• ESG’s track 'UFO' is one of the most sampled songs in music history, used by artists across hip-hop, dance, and pop genres.
• Their mother bought them their first instruments to keep them occupied and safe in the South Bronx, leading to the band's formation.
• Despite their influence, ESG often struggled to receive royalties for the extensive sampling of their music, inspiring their 1992 EP titled 'Sample Credits Don’t Pay Our Bills!'

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Ed Bahlman - Owner of 99 Records, early manager and producer who helped launch ESG's career and integrated them into the NYC no wave/post-punk scene. (Early singles and debut EP) [Late 1970s–early 1980s]
• Martin Hannett - Producer of ESG’s debut EP, known for his work with Joy Division and New Order, influencing the band's early recorded sound. (ESG (1981, debut EP)) [1981]
• James Brown - Stylistic influence; ESG’s music was inspired by the groove and rhythmic focus of James Brown, particularly the 'bridge' sections of his songs. (General influence on ESG's approach to funk and rhythm) [1970s–1980s]

Key Collaborators

• Renee Scroggins - Founding member, lead vocalist, and primary songwriter; central figure in all ESG projects. (All ESG releases) [1978–present]
• Valerie Scroggins - Founding member and drummer, contributed to the band’s signature rhythmic style. (All ESG releases (until her departure)) [1978–2000s]
• Deborah Scroggins - Founding member and bassist, key to ESG’s minimalist funk sound. (All ESG releases (until her departure)) [1978–2000s]
• Marie Scroggins - Founding member, congas and vocals, part of original lineup. (Early ESG releases) [1978–early 1980s]
• Tito Libran - Original member, contributed percussion and vocals. (Early ESG releases) [1978–early 1980s]
• Nicole Scroggins - Renee’s daughter, joined as bassist in later lineups. (Step Off (2002), later live performances) [2000s–present]
• Chistelle Scroggins - Valerie’s daughter, joined as guitarist in later lineups. (Step Off (2002), later live performances) [2000s–present]

Artists Influenced

• Beastie Boys - Sampled ESG’s music in their hip-hop productions. (Licensed to Ill, Check Your Head) [1980s–1990s]
• Wu-Tang Clan - Sampled ESG’s 'UFO' and other tracks in their hip-hop productions. (Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)) [1990s]
• LCD Soundsystem - Cited ESG as a major influence on their dance-punk sound. (LCD Soundsystem (self-titled), Sound of Silver) [2000s]
• The Rapture - Acknowledged ESG’s influence on their approach to dance-punk. (Echoes) [2000s]
• Liars - Directly referenced ESG in their music, notably rewriting 'UFO' as 'Tumbling Walls Buried Me In The Debris With ESG.' (They Were Wrong, So We Drowned) [2000s]
• Unrest - Sampled and covered ESG’s material, drawing inspiration for indie rock. (Various releases) [1990s]
• TLC - Sampled ESG’s tracks in R&B/hip-hop productions. (Various releases) [1990s]
• Tricky - Sampled ESG in trip-hop productions. (Maxinquaye) [1990s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Dance (Come Away with ESG)
2. My Love for You (Come Away with ESG)
3. Moody
4. You Make No Sense (Come Away with ESG)
5. It's Alright (Come Away with ESG)
6. The Beat (Come Away with ESG)
7. U.F.O
8. You're No Good
9. Moody - Spaced Out (Come Away with ESG)
10. Erase You

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia