ESG

Formed in the South Bronx, ESG is an art-funk ensemble defined by a spartan, economical sound.

The group, centered around the Scroggins sisters, blends minimal drumming, tersely phrased bass, and surf-inflected guitar with chanting vocals that hover between rapping and singing. This precise, stripped-back approach created a rhythmic tension that allowed them to navigate the spaces between dance music, post-punk, and early hip hop. Their track UFO has become one of the most sampled songs in history, used by artists such as Public Enemy, N.W.A., and the Beastie Boys. While they emerged as unpretentious amateurs, their consistent vision bridged the gap between New York City's downtown art scenes and the dance floor, leaving a lasting imprint on the development of dance-punk and electronic music.