ESG

An art-funk ensemble from the South Bronx, ESG (Emerald Sapphire & Gold) was formed by sisters Renee, Valerie, and Marie Scroggins, along with friends David Miles and Leroy Glover. Their music is centered around complex polyrhythms created by the sisters' vocals and percussion, with bass and pop-flavored guitar adding atmosphere. They signed with 99 Records in 1981 and released their debut self-titled EP produced by Martin Hannett. ESG disbanded but unexpectedly re-formed in the early '90s. Their work became popular among hip-hop artists for sampling, leading to collaborations with acts like TLC, Wu-Tang Clan, Beastie Boys, Big Daddy Kane, and Unrest.

In 1992 they released the EP "Sample Credits Don't Pay Our Bills" addressing this issue. ESG Live! appeared in 1995 featuring both old and new material. The group continued recording during the late '90s and even added Scroggins' daughters Chistelle and Nicole to their lineup.