Funky 4 + 1, formed in 1976 in the Bronx, New York, holds a pioneering place in hip-hop history. They were the first rap group to secure a record deal and to perform live on national television, appearing on "Saturday Night Live" in 1981. Notably, they featured one of the first female MCs, Sha-Rock, breaking gender barriers in the genre. Their 1980 single "That's the Joint" is celebrated as a seminal track, blending disco, funk, and jazz influences, and has been sampled by numerous artists, including the Beastie Boys. The group's innovative style and trailblazing achievements have left an indelible mark on the evolution of hip-hop. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funky_4_%2B_1?utm_source=openai))