Profile Tribe:

Let me take you back to 1974, a year that changed everything for me.

My name is Earl J. Foster Jr., and it all started with a phone call from Big Dee Ervin, a staff producer at ABC-Dunhill Records.

He invited me to come in and play and sing on a track that was actually the fade-out of a record he had produced. I remember thinking, “What’s the big deal about a fade-out?” But to my surprise, that fade was jammin’ harder than the actual song!
After I added my touch to the track, Dee, with his signature sense of humor, decided to name the record “Coke” and the artist “Tribe.”

How he came up with those names remains a mystery to me, but if you knew Dee, you’d understand that this was classic Dee—always full of surprises and laughter.
Since I performed all the lead vocals on the track, I became Tribe by default. Talk about being in the right place at the right time!

I made Dee promise me that if the record gained any traction, the recording contract would be mine.

He agreed, and at that time, I was still playing with my group, “The Fourth Parallel.”
About a month later, I got a call from Dee that left me in shock: the record had made the charts and was climbing fast!

Just a week after that, I received an invitation to ABC-Dunhill for a meeting with Otis Smith, the Vice-President of the R&B division.
Can you believe it?

Me, Earl J. Foster Jr., signed to a recording contract with ABC-Dunhill Records, all based on a song I recorded as a lark—the fade-out of a track whose original name I still don’t know!

With that, I promptly changed my band’s name from “The Fourth Parallel” to “Tribe,” and we hit the ground running, performing numerous concerts and TV shows, achieving considerable success along the way.

However, the journey wasn’t without its bumps. Due to the controversy surrounding the name “Coke,” the record was renamed “Smoke,” which rhymed with the original title.
While the record was riding high on the charts, the confusion from the name change ultimately hindered its success.
But that’s the music business for you—full of twists and turns. And through it all, Tribe emerged as a name that would leave its mark in the industry.
Despite the challenges we faced, Tribe continued to push forward, the name change may have caused some confusion, but it didn’t stop us from making music that resonated with our fans.

We poured our hearts into our next project, and it paid off. Our album, “Ethnic Stew,” was released and featured the hit single “Tribe,” which captured the essence of our sound and our journey.
As we gained momentum, we found ourselves charting in **Cashbox, Record World, Billboard**, and even making it onto the **Top Ten British Singles Chart**.

It was surreal to see our music reaching audiences far and wide.

We even had the number one record in Todendorf, Germany, and Washington, D.C.—how’s that for diversity?
Our travels took us across the United States, Europe, and the Far East, where we performed in front of enthusiastic crowds.

Each concert was a celebration of our music and the connection we had with our fans. However, as time went on, the group underwent a complete personnel change. But we didn’t let that deter us.
We recorded two more albums: “Tribal Bumpin’” for ABC-Dunhill Records and “Dedication” for an indie label called Farr Records.
Eventually, after years of making music and touring, Tribe disbanded. But the legacy we created lives on.
There are many groups out there calling themselves Tribe, but we were the original—the real McCoy.
Our story is one of serendipity, creativity, and the power of music to bring people together. And now, you know the journey of Tribe, a group that emerged from a simple fade-out to leave an indelible mark on the music scene of the 1970s.

As we step into 2025, I’m excited to share the rebirth of Tribe with our latest album, “Tribe IV Resurrection.” This new offering marks a significant chapter in our journey, and I’m proud to say that we’re now signed with Rising Sun Records, continuing our legacy that began with ABC-Dunhill Records and Farr Records.
Leading the charge is still me, Earl J. Foster Jr., and I’m thrilled to be at the helm of a band that has consistently pushed the boundaries of music over the years.
Building on the success of our previous albums—“Ethnic Stew,” “Tribal Bumpin’,” and “Dedication”—this new release promises to blend our signature funky sound with fresh, innovative twists that reflect the times we live in.
Tribe has always been more than just a band; we are a dynamic and diverse collective that embodies the spirit of unity and celebrates human culture through our eclectic sound. Our belief that music transcends boundaries drives us to integrate a wide spectrum of cultural influences, creating a truly unique musical experience.

In “Tribe IV Resurrection,” you’ll hear a harmonious blend of infectious Latin Pop rhythms, poignant hip-hop beats, and various global genres, all merging into a rich tapestry of resonant melodies and compelling narratives. What truly sets us apart is our composition: each member of Tribe represents a different racial or cultural background, making our internal diversity a living testament to our message.
This mosaic of identities enhances our music, bringing authentic perspectives and distinctive flavors from around the world.
Our songs often explore themes of cultural identity, acceptance, and the universal human experience. We aim to inspire and unify our audience, inviting them to reflect on the beauty of our differences. Through powerful lyrics, captivating performances, and an undeniable synergy, Tribe invites listeners on a musical voyage that celebrates diversity and the power of artistic expression.
This album isn’t just an auditory experience; it’s a movement.

We emphasize the beauty in our differences and the strength in our collective unity. Whether you’re drawn in by the rhythmic Latin beats, the soul-stirring hip-hop verses, or the melodic fusions of multiple genres, “Tribe IV Resurrection” ensures that there is something for everyone.
As we embark on this new chapter, I invite you to join us on this journey. Together, let’s celebrate the music that connects us all and the stories that make us who we are. Tribe is back, and we’re ready to make waves once again!