Stetsasonic, hailed as one of the original hip-hop bands, burst onto the scene in the mid-1980s as a group that brought a live band energy to a genre dominated by DJs and electronic beats. Formed in Brooklyn, New York, they have at times included six members: Daddy-O (lead vocalist), MC Delite, Wise, DBC (Devastating Beat Creator), Prince Paul, and Frukwan. Their innovative approach to hip-hop incorporated not only rapping and DJing but also live instrumentation, setting them apart from their contemporaries and influencing the genre's evolution.

With groundbreaking albums such as "On Fire" in 1986, followed by "In Full Gear" and "Blood, Sweat & No Tears," Stetsasonic forged a legacy with hits like "Go Stetsa I" and "Sally." They are known for their fusion of jazz, funk, and rap, as well as for their socially conscious lyrics which often address issues of racism and inequality. After some years of inactivity, they have occasionally reemerged with fresh releases, proving their timeless appeal and the enduring significance of their contributions to hip-hop. Despite a shifting landscape in the music industry, Stetsasonic has maintained their status as pioneering forefathers of the hip-hop band format.