The Sugarhill Gang, an iconic American hip hop group hailing from Englewood, New Jersey, etched their names into music history as pioneers of the genre with their groundbreaking hit "Rapper's Delight" in 1979. The group was formed by Michael "Wonder Mike" Wright, Henry "Big Bank Hank" Jackson, and Guy "Master Gee" O'Brien, and they were the first to score a Top 40 hit with a rap song, effectively bringing hip hop from the streets to the mainstream. Their success opened the door for future hip-hop artists and legitimized the genre in the eyes of a global audience.

While "Rapper's Delight" remains their most celebrated track, The Sugarhill Gang continued to contribute to the development of early hip hop with songs like "Apache" and "8th Wonder." Throughout their career, they faced challenges, including battles over rights and recognition, but their influence remained undisputed. Although the group did not sustain the chart-topping success of their debut single, their legacy continues to impact music, resonating with old and new generations alike as evidenced by their ongoing tours and releases such as "Jump On It!" and "The Showdown: The Sugarhill Gang vs. Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five." Their sound encapsulated the joyous party vibe that was intrinsic to the rise of hip hop, and they have rightly earned their place as legends in the genre.

Genres

East Coast Hip Hop

Funk

New Jersey Rap

Old School Hip Hop

Related Artists

Salt-N-Pepa

Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five

Kurtis Blow

Afrika Bambaataa

Public Enemy

Eminem

JAY-Z

Whodini

N.W.A.

LL COOL J

De La Soul

DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

Latest Release

Someone Like You

The Sugarhill Gang•

Grandmaster Melle Mel•

The Furious Five

Single - Released January 15, 2021