The Sugarhill Gang is a pioneering American hip-hop group that achieved widespread fame with their 1979 hit single “Rapper’s Delight.” Formed in Englewood, New Jersey, the group consists of Michael “Wonder Mike” Wright, Henry “Big Bank Hank” Jackson, and Guy “Master Gee” O’Brien.
The Sugarhill Gang holds a unique place in music history as one of the first hip-hop groups to achieve mainstream success. Their breakout single, “Rapper’s Delight,” is considered one of the genre’s seminal recordings. The song features the group rapping over a sample of Chic’s “Good Times” and showcases their playful and rhythmic style. “Rapper’s Delight” became a global hit, reaching the top of the charts and marking a crucial moment in the popularization of hip-hop.
While “Rapper’s Delight” remains their most iconic track, The Sugarhill Gang released several other songs, including “Apache,” “8th Wonder,” and “Apache (Jump On It).” These tracks contributed to their influence in the early hip-hop scene.
The Sugarhill Gang’s impact on the music industry extends beyond their individual recordings. They played a crucial role in bringing hip-hop to a broader audience and paved the way for subsequent generations of hip-hop artists. Despite lineup changes and various challenges, The Sugarhill Gang continues to be celebrated for their groundbreaking contributions to the development of hip-hop as a genre.
1. Get on Up
“Get on Up” is a song by James Brown, often considered one of the most influential figures in the history of popular music. Released in 1970, “Get on Up” is a funk and soul anthem that showcases Brown’s dynamic vocal delivery and his innovative approach to rhythm and groove.
The song is characterized by its infectious and energetic beat, with Brown’s commanding vocals driving the performance. “Get on Up” encourages listeners to do exactly that—get up and move to the rhythm. The track features prominent horn sections, rhythmic guitar work, and the unmistakable sound of Brown’s band, The J.B.’s.
As a pioneer of funk music, James Brown played a crucial role in shaping the landscape of R&B and soul. “Get on Up” is a prime example of his ability to create music that not only entertains but also inspires movement and dance. The song’s influence extends far beyond its initial release, becoming a timeless piece in the funk and soul genres.
“Get on Up” remains a classic in James Brown’s extensive discography, celebrated for its infectious energy and its impact on the evolution of funk music. The song’s legacy is evident in its continued popularity and its use in various films, commercials, and cultural references over the years.
2. 8th Wonder
“8th Wonder” is a funk and disco song by The Sugarhill Gang, released in 1981. The Sugarhill Gang is best known for their pioneering role in hip-hop with the 1979 hit “Rapper’s Delight,” but “8th Wonder” showcases their versatility by delving into the funk and disco genres.
The track features a lively and energetic groove, typical of the funk and disco styles popular in the late 1970s and early 1980s. “8th Wonder” incorporates a catchy bassline, rhythmic guitar work, and infectious horns, creating a danceable and upbeat atmosphere.
Lyrically, the song doesn’t follow the traditional hip-hop format of “Rapper’s Delight” but instead focuses on celebrating the wonders and excitement of music and dance. The title itself suggests that the music being created is the eighth wonder of the world, emphasizing its extraordinary nature.
While “8th Wonder” may not have achieved the same level of commercial success as “Rapper’s Delight,” it remains a notable entry in The Sugarhill Gang’s catalog. The track showcases their ability to explore different musical styles while still maintaining an infectious and party-ready vibe.
3. 7′ Single Version
The “7′ Single Version” typically refers to a shortened or edited version of a song specifically created for release on a 7-inch vinyl single. The term is often used to denote a version that is condensed to fit the limitations of the single format, which typically has a shorter duration than a full-length album track.
For a song like “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugarhill Gang, which is known for its extended length, a 7-inch single version might involve editing or shortening the track to make it more radio-friendly and suitable for the single format.
If there’s a specific version of “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugarhill Gang labeled as the “7′ Single Version,” it would be worth checking the track’s duration and content compared to the original album version. This practice of creating shorter versions for singles was common in the era of vinyl records, especially for songs with extended or elaborate arrangements.
4. Kick It Live From 9 to 5
“Kick It Live From 9 to 5” is a song by American rapper and producer Peaches. It was released in 1988 and is part of her debut album, “The Teaches of Peaches.” The track is known for its energetic and eclectic sound, combining elements of hip-hop, electro, and punk.
“The Teaches of Peaches” album is recognized for its explicit lyrics and provocative themes. “Kick It Live From 9 to 5” exemplifies Peaches’ bold and unapologetic approach to her music. The song challenges conventional norms and addresses topics related to sexuality and individual expression.
Peaches, whose real name is Merrill Beth Nisker, gained attention for her unique style and stage presence. Her fusion of various musical genres and explicit lyrics contributed to her influence in the alternative and electroclash scenes.
“Kick It Live From 9 to 5” remains a notable track in Peaches’ discography, showcasing her boundary-pushing approach to music and her impact on the evolving landscape of alternative and electronic genres.
5. Funk Box
Fact: Although “Funk Box” was not one of The Sugarhill Gang’s most popular tracks, it still showcased their talent for creating irresistible dance music.
6. Rapper’s Delight
“Rapper’s Delight” is a landmark hip-hop song by the Sugarhill Gang, released in 1979. It is widely considered one of the genre’s first hit singles and a pivotal track in the history of hip-hop music. The Sugarhill Gang consisted of Big Bank Hank, Wonder Mike, and Master Gee.
The song is known for its infectious bassline, sampled from Chic’s “Good Times,” and the playful and boastful rhymes delivered by the three MCs. “Rapper’s Delight” is credited with popularizing hip-hop and introducing it to a broader audience outside of the New York City underground scene.
The lyrics feature each rapper boasting about their skills, lifestyle, and the art of rapping itself. The track’s success helped establish hip-hop as a viable and commercially successful genre, paving the way for the growth and diversification of rap music in the following decades.
“Rapper’s Delight” has become a classic in hip-hop history and continues to be celebrated for its historical significance and its impact on the global music landscape.
7. Apache (Jump On It)
“Apache (Jump On It)” is a hip-hop song that gained popularity in the late 1980s. The song is based on the instrumental track “Apache” by the Incredible Bongo Band, which was originally released in 1973. The version with the rap lyrics and the iconic “Jump On It” chant became widely known through its use in the television series “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
The Sugarhill Gang, known for their pioneering role in hip-hop with the classic “Rapper’s Delight,” released their version of “Apache (Jump On It)” in 1981. The track features the rap group’s energetic delivery over the instrumental “Apache” groove. The distinctive “Jump On It” chant has since become a memorable and widely recognized element of the song.
The Sugarhill Gang’s version of “Apache (Jump On It)” gained renewed popularity when it was featured in the 1990 “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” episode titled “Papa’s Got a Brand New Excuse.” In this episode, Will Smith and Carlton Banks perform an unforgettable dance routine to the song.
The catchy and infectious nature of “Apache (Jump On It)” has made it a staple in pop culture, and the song continues to be associated with fun and celebratory moments.
8. Funk You Up
“Funk You Up” is a 1979 old school hip hop song recorded by the Sequence for Sugar Hill Records. It is significant as the first hip-hop song to be released by a female rap group (and by a rap group from the Southern United States, as all three members of The Sequence were natives of Columbia, South Carolina), and was the second single released on Sugar Hill, following “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugarhill Gang.
9. White Lines (Don’t Don’t Do It)
“White Lines (Don’t Don’t Do It)” is a prominent and socially conscious song that addresses the impact of cocaine addiction. The track was originally recorded by Grandmaster Flash and Melle Mel with The Furious Five and released in 1983. It was later popularized by a remix produced by New Order in collaboration with Arthur Baker in 1988.
The song features a driving beat and a distinctive bassline, characteristic of the hip-hop and electro genres. The lyrics deliver a strong anti-drug message, cautioning against the dangers and consequences of cocaine use. The repeated refrain “Don’t don’t do it” underscores the urgency of the message.
Grandmaster Flash and Melle Mel’s original version addresses the destructive nature of drug addiction, while the New Order remix brought a fresh electronic dance sound to the track. The collaboration resulted in a fusion of hip-hop, electro, and dance music elements, making it a crossover hit.
“White Lines (Don’t Don’t Do It)” has been widely acclaimed for its social commentary and its influential role in addressing issues related to drug abuse. The song’s impact extends beyond its initial release, and it remains a significant part of the cultural and musical landscape, reflecting the power of music to address social issues.
10. The Message
“The Message” is a seminal hip-hop song by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, released in 1982. The group consisted of Grandmaster Flash, Melle Mel, The Kidd Creole, Keith Cowboy, Mr. Ness/Scorpio, and Rahiem. The song is widely regarded as one of the most influential tracks in the history of hip-hop.
“The Message” is recognized for its socially conscious lyrics, addressing issues such as poverty, crime, and the challenges of urban life. The song marked a departure from the party-oriented themes that dominated early hip-hop, introducing a more introspective and socially aware style to the genre.
The lyrics include the famous opening line: “It’s like a jungle sometimes, it makes me wonder how I keep from going under.” The haunting and atmospheric music, coupled with Melle Mel’s powerful delivery, contributed to the song’s impact.
“The Message” is often considered a groundbreaking track that expanded the possibilities of hip-hop lyricism, moving beyond the traditional party rhymes to explore deeper social commentary. It has been celebrated for its cultural significance and is frequently cited as one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time.
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.
