
About
The Sugarhill Gang is an American hip-hop group, known mostly for one hit, Rapper's Delight, the first hip-hop single to become a Top 40 hit. The track uses the bass line from Good Times as its foundation. The members, all from New York City, called themselves Wonder Mike, Big Bank Hank, and Master Gee. They were assembled into a group by producer Sylvia Robinson who also founded Sugar Hill Records along with her husband and record mogul Joe Robinson. Read more on Last.fm
Genres
- east coast hip hop
- funk
- new jersey rap
- old school hip hop
Frequently Asked Questions
- What song did the Sugarhill Gang became popular for recording?
- The Sugarhill Gang became popular for recording the iconic song "Rapper's Delight." Released in 1979, "Rapper's Delight" is widely recognized as one of the first rap songs to gain mainstream success and introduce hip-hop music to a global audience. The infectious bassline, borrowed from Chic's "Good Times," combined with the catchy, rhythmic lyrics, helped the song break new ground on the charts. "Rapper's Delight" reached the Top 40 in the United States and was a massive hit internationally, paving the way for future hip-hop artists and shaping the evolution of the genre. The Sugarhill Gang's energetic style and memorable verses made "Rapper's Delight" a staple in music history, cementing their legacy as pioneers in hip-hop. Today, the song remains a beloved classic and is frequently referenced in pop culture, showcasing the lasting impact of the Sugarhill Gang on the music industry.
- What song did the Sugarhill Gang scored an early rap hit with in 1979?
- The Sugarhill Gang scored an early rap hit in 1979 with the groundbreaking track "Rapper's Delight." This song is credited with bringing hip-hop music into the mainstream and is often cited as the first rap single to achieve widespread commercial success. "Rapper's Delight" climbed the charts in the United States and abroad, reaching audiences that had never before experienced rap music. Its catchy lyrics and danceable beat, built on a sample from Chic's "Good Times," resonated with listeners and helped popularize the emerging hip-hop scene. The Sugarhill Gang's playful delivery and storytelling style set the tone for future rap releases, and "Rapper's Delight" remains an enduring anthem that represents the origins of hip-hop culture. This early success established the Sugarhill Gang as trailblazers, marking 1979 as a pivotal year in the history of rap music.
- Why did the Sugarhill Gang break up?
- The Sugarhill Gang eventually broke up due to a combination of factors common to many pioneering music groups. Over time, internal disagreements, changes in the music industry, and evolving tastes among audiences contributed to their split. As hip-hop music grew and diversified in the 1980s and 1990s, newer artists and styles began to dominate the genre, making it challenging for the group to maintain their initial level of mainstream popularity. Additionally, disputes over creative direction, management, and financial issues played a role in the group's breakup. Despite these challenges, the original members occasionally reunited for performances and tours, celebrating their influential legacy. The breakup did not diminish the impact of their contributions to hip-hop; instead, it highlighted the pressures and complexities faced by early pioneers in a rapidly changing music landscape.
- What was the first rap song by Sugarhill Gang?
- The first rap song by the Sugarhill Gang is the legendary "Rapper's Delight." Released in September 1979, this track is credited as the first commercially successful rap single and is widely considered the song that brought hip-hop into the mainstream. "Rapper's Delight" features the trio
- What gang is Sugar Hill?
- The "Sugarhill Gang" is not an actual gang, but rather a hip-hop group named after the Sugar Hill neighborhood in Harlem, New York City. The name was chosen to reflect the urban roots and vibrant cultural scene of the area, which was historically known for its jazz musicians, artists, and African-American culture during the Harlem Renaissance. There is no criminal or street gang affiliation associated with the Sugarhill Gang; instead, the group's name pays homage to a significant and influential community in New York's music legacy. The Sugarhill Gang rose to fame as one of the first rap groups to achieve mainstream success, helping to popularize hip-hop music worldwide. Their name has since become synonymous with the early days of rap and the genre's breakthrough into popular culture.