Sha-Rock facts for kids

Sharon Green (born October 25, 1962), known as MC Sha-Rock, is a very important figure in hip hop history. Many people consider her the "first female rapper" or emcee. She grew up in the South Bronx, New York City, where hip hop culture and rap music first began in the late 1970s.

Within the hip hop community, she is often called the "Mother of the Mic." She was a member of the group Funky 4 + 1, which was one of the first hip hop groups to appear on national television. Her unique style of rapping influenced many famous rappers, including MC Lyte and DMC from Run-DMC.

Sha-Rock's Career

Sha-Rock started her journey in the late 1970s as a local b-girl, or breakdancer, in the early days of the South Bronx hip hop scene. Her group, the Funky 4 + 1 (Sha-Rock was the "plus one"), released their first hit song. This song was a 12-inch record called "Rapping and Rocking the House" in 1979.

This was followed by another popular song, "That's the Joint," in 1980. As a pioneer connected with the Universal Zulu Nation, MC Sha-Rock helped create a rapping style. This style, sometimes called the "echo chamber," later became famous through groups like Run DMC.

In 2010, Sharon Green wrote a book about her experiences. The book is titled The Story of the Beginning and End of the First Hip Hop Female MC: Luminary Icon Sha-Rock. It shares her journey and the challenges she faced becoming an emcee. It also tells about her time as a member of The Funky 4 + 1.

On August 4, 2009, Sha-Rock received an award. It was called the "Women in Hip Hop All Female Rapathon and All Pioneer Luminary MC Award." This award was given by the Hip Hop cultural center of Harlem. At the ceremony, Sha-Rock shared an important message. She said that everyone should "embrace the culture." She also wanted people to understand that Hip Hop is about "peace, unity and having fun." She encouraged listening to music, enjoying each other, and being safe.

Sha-Rock's Legacy

Many people recognized Sha-Rock's talent. The famous music critic Robert Christgau praised her in his review of "That's the Joint." He noted how the group's rapping was varied and exciting. He specifically highlighted Sha-Rock, saying, "when it comes to Sha-Rock, Miss Plus One herself, who needs variation?" This showed how much he admired her unique style.

On February 14, 1981, The Funky 4 + 1 made history. They were introduced as New York City "street rappers" from the Bronx on the TV show Saturday Night Live. They performed alongside the famous band Blondie and its lead singer Debbie Harry. This appearance was very important. It helped introduce the hip hop music of the Bronx and Harlem to a wider audience.

This connection between different young artists was supported by people like Fab Five Freddy and Ruza Blue. Ruza Blue was also known as "Kool Lady Blue." They organized events at the Roxy NYC nightclub. This club featured early hip hop DJs and breakdancers. Sha-Rock has also received an honorary award from the Council of the City of New York.