The Sugarhill Gang was an American hip hop group known for their 1979 hit “Rapper’s Delight,” which is considered one of the pioneering tracks in the genre. The group was formed in Englewood, New Jersey, and consisted of members Michael “Wonder Mike” Wright, Henry “Big Bank Hank” Jackson, and Guy “Master Gee” O’Brien. “Rapper’s Delight” was one of the first rap singles to become a hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, helping to introduce hip hop to a wider audience. The Sugarhill Gang’s influence on hip hop music and culture is significant, and their music continues to be celebrated by fans of the genre.
1. The Lover in You
“The Lover in You” is a song by The Sugarhill Gang, released in 1981. It was one of their follow-up singles to “Rapper’s Delight” and was featured on their second album, “8th Wonder.” The song has a more R&B and dance-oriented sound compared to their earlier work and showcases the group’s versatility. “The Lover in You” was moderately successful, reaching the top 40 on the R&B charts. It’s known for its catchy beat and laid-back vibe, reflecting the evolution of hip hop music during that era.
2. Party Time
“Party Time” is another track by The Sugarhill Gang, released in 1980. It’s known for its upbeat and party-ready vibe, characteristic of many early hip hop tracks. The song features lively lyrics and a funky beat, typical of the group’s style at the time. “Party Time” is often seen as a celebration of the hip hop culture and the joy of dancing and having a good time, which were central themes in many of The Sugarhill Gang’s songs.
3. Rapper’s Reprise (Jam Jam)
This track is from their debut album, “Sugarhill Gang,” released in 1980. “Rapper’s Reprise (Jam Jam)” features a funky beat and showcases the group’s rhyming skills. It’s a fun and energetic track that exemplifies the early days of hip hop and The Sugarhill Gang’s contribution to the genre.
4. Rapper’s Delight
“Rapper’s Delight” is a landmark song by The Sugarhill Gang, released in 1979. It is considered one of the first commercially successful hip hop songs and played a significant role in introducing hip hop music to a wider audience. The track is known for its catchy beat, infectious rhythm, and the group’s playful rhymes. “Rapper’s Delight” helped popularize hip hop and paved the way for the genre’s explosion in the 1980s and beyond.
5. 8th Wonder
“8th Wonder” is the second album by The Sugarhill Gang, released in 1981. The title track, “8th Wonder,” is one of the standout songs from the album, known for its funky beat and catchy chorus. The album features a mix of party tracks and more introspective songs, showcasing the group’s versatility. While not as commercially successful as their debut album, “8th Wonder” still received positive reviews and is considered a classic in early hip hop music.
6. Apache
“Apache” is a classic instrumental track originally recorded by the British rock group The Shadows in 1960. The song features a distinctive guitar riff and has been widely covered and sampled in various music genres. In hip hop, “Apache” gained renewed popularity when The Sugarhill Gang used a sample of the track for their song “Apache (Jump On It)” from their 1981 album “8th Wonder.” The Sugarhill Gang’s version added new lyrics and a hip hop twist to the original instrumental, creating a new hit that is still popular today for its energetic vibe and catchy chorus.
7. Showdown
“Showdown” is a song by The Sugarhill Gang, released in 1983. It is the title track of their third studio album, “Showdown,” which was produced by Sylvia Robinson, the founder of Sugarhill Records. The album and the title track did not achieve the same level of commercial success as their earlier works, but “Showdown” remains a notable part of The Sugarhill Gang’s discography. The song features the group’s signature style of rhyming over funky beats and showcases their skills as early hip hop artists.
8. Kick It Live From 9 to 5
“Kick It Live From 9 to 5” is a song by The Sugarhill Gang, released in 1984. It was included on their fourth studio album, “Livin’ in the Fast Lane.” The song has a lively, upbeat feel typical of The Sugarhill Gang’s style, with catchy hooks and energetic rhymes. While “Kick It Live From 9 to 5” did not achieve the same level of mainstream success as some of their earlier hits, it remains a fan favorite among hip hop enthusiasts.
9. Jump on It!
“Jump on It!” is a track by The Sugarhill Gang from their 1983 album “The Sugarhill Gang. The song is best known for its catchy chorus and upbeat tempo. It’s often associated with the Apache dance, which gained popularity due to its use in the TV show “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” where Will and Carlton famously perform the dance to the song. “Jump on It!” showcases The Sugarhill Gang’s ability to create fun, danceable tracks that have stood the test of time.
10. Livin’ in the Fast Lane
“Livin’ in the Fast Lane” is a song by The Sugarhill Gang, released in 1984. It is the title track of their fourth studio album. The song has a lively, upbeat feel typical of The Sugarhill Gang’s style, with catchy hooks and energetic rhymes. “Livin’ in the Fast Lane” reflects the group’s lifestyle and experiences in the music industry, with lyrics that touch on themes of success, fame, and the fast-paced nature of their lives.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
