Biography
Originally a duo called the Houserockers Crew, the Fearless Four—an old-school hip-hop and electro ensemble that actually comprised six members—became the first rap act signed to a major label when Elektra inked them, following the solo breakthrough of Kurtis Blow. The Devastating Tito, MC born Tito Jones, and Master OC, DJ born Oscar Rodriguez Jr., launched the project before it absorbed additional talent. Early additions included Mike Ski, Troy B (previously of the Disco Four), and the Great Peso, born Mitchell Grant, though only Peso remained long-term; Troy B later gave way to DLB, born Daryl Barksdale, while Mighty Mike C, born Michael Kevin Clee, and a second DJ, Krazy Eddie, born Eddie Thompson, rounded out the final roster.
On the Enjoy label the group issued its first single in 1981. “Rockin’ It” emerged as a cult electro staple through an Afrika Bambaataa-inspired interpolation of Kraftwerk’s “The Man Machine” and its appearance on the Poltergeist soundtrack. The Cat Stevens-sampling follow-up “It’s Magic” secured their Elektra contract, which opened with “Just Rock,” built around a sample of Gary Numan’s “Cars.” Kurtis Blow produced the 1983 single “Problems of the World Today,” the outfit’s second-biggest success and a track that extended the socially conscious turn signaled by Grandmaster Flash’s “The Message.” Additional releases such as “Dedication” appeared, yet by the mid-1980s their approach had grown outdated and the group receded from view. Master OC and Krazy Eddie cut a handful of joint singles between 1984 and 1985, among them “Masters of the Scratch,” after which little further activity surfaced.
On the Enjoy label the group issued its first single in 1981. “Rockin’ It” emerged as a cult electro staple through an Afrika Bambaataa-inspired interpolation of Kraftwerk’s “The Man Machine” and its appearance on the Poltergeist soundtrack. The Cat Stevens-sampling follow-up “It’s Magic” secured their Elektra contract, which opened with “Just Rock,” built around a sample of Gary Numan’s “Cars.” Kurtis Blow produced the 1983 single “Problems of the World Today,” the outfit’s second-biggest success and a track that extended the socially conscious turn signaled by Grandmaster Flash’s “The Message.” Additional releases such as “Dedication” appeared, yet by the mid-1980s their approach had grown outdated and the group receded from view. Master OC and Krazy Eddie cut a handful of joint singles between 1984 and 1985, among them “Masters of the Scratch,” after which little further activity surfaced.