The Sugarhill Gang

by John Bush
Though the Sugarhill Gang inaugurated the history of recorded hip-hop with their single Rappers Delight, a multi-platinum seller and radio hit in 1979, the group was cooked up to cash in on a supposed novelty item. Music-industry producer and label-owner Sylvia Robinson had become aware of the massive hip-hop block parties occurring around the New York area during the late 70s, so she gathered three local rappers (Master Gee, Wonder Mike, and Big Bank Hank) to record a single. Infectious and catchy, Rappers Delight borrowed the break from Chics Good Times and became a worldwide hit, eventually selling more than eight million copies. Most industry people figured rap for a short-lived trend, and though they were dead wrong, the Sugarhill Gang certainly didnt carry the torch; despite several modest hits (8th Wonder, Apache) the trio faded quickly and was gone by the mid-80s, only returning in 1999 with Jump on It, a rap album for children.