The Sugarhill Gang

The Sugarhill Gang is an American hip-hop group formed in New Jersey in 1979. Its single “Rapper’s Delight” helped introduce rap music to a mainstream audience.

Rapper’s Delight: A 1979 Sugarhill Gang single that became one of the first rap records to achieve major commercial success. This debut hit brought the group national attention and introduced recorded rap to many new listeners.
Chic: An American disco band founded by guitarist Nile Rodgers and bassist Bernard Edwards. Its recording “Good Times” supplied the musical foundation for “Rapper’s Delight.”
Wonder Mike: An American rapper and an original member of the Sugarhill Gang. His voice is one of the three featured on “Rapper’s Delight.”
Rap music: A vocal music style built around rhythmic speech, rhyme, and wordplay, commonly performed over a beat. The group’s chart success helped establish rap as a commercially viable recorded genre.
Sugar Hill Records: An independent record label founded in New Jersey in 1979 by Sylvia Robinson and Joe Robinson. The label assembled the group and released its breakthrough single.
Good Times: A 1979 disco single by Chic, written by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards. Its bass line and groove were replayed by Sugar Hill Records musicians for the rap single.
Big Bank Hank: An American rapper and an original member of the Sugarhill Gang. His verse on “Rapper’s Delight” became a prominent part of the group’s debut.
The Message: A 1982 single by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five known for its detailed depiction of urban hardship. Its socially focused lyrics contrasted with the party-centered approach associated with the group’s first hit.
Sylvia Robinson: An American singer, songwriter, producer, and music executive who co-founded Sugar Hill Records. She helped create the group and produce its first hit.
Sugarhill Gang (album): The Sugarhill Gang’s 1980 debut studio album, featuring “Rapper’s Delight.” The album extended the group’s breakthrough from a single into a full-length release.

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