UFO

Recorded in 1980 at Eastern Artists Recording Studio in New Jersey by ESG, the South Bronx group comprising sisters Renee, Valerie, Deborah and Marie Scroggins, alongside percussionist Tito Libran. Produced by Martin Hannett and mixed at Strawberry Studios in Manchester, 'UFO' was recorded near the end of the session to use the remaining tape, with Renee Scroggins contributing its distinctive guitar sounds. Released in 1981 on Factory Records in the United Kingdom and 99 Records in the United States, 'UFO' appeared on ESG's self-titled debut EP. Its sparse bassline, hypnotic percussion and eerie guitar effects distinguished the recording within New York's emerging independent dance scene, helping establish ESG's distinctive musical identity. 'UFO' became one of the most extensively sampled recordings in hip-hop history, with its distinctive guitar sounds and rhythmic passages appearing in hundreds of later tracks by artists including Public Enemy, Beastie Boys, J Dilla and The Notorious B.I.G. Its influence extended into electronic dance music, while disputes over sample royalties prompted ESG to address the financial consequences of their recordings' widespread reuse.