Hip-hop has come a long way. From its humble beginnings in 1974 it has become one of the twenty-first century’s highest grossing music genre. Firmly embedded in the landscape of popular culture, hip-hop has taken over the airwaves, influencing music, fashion, television, film, art and dance for over four decades.
2019 sees the genre-defining Sugarhill Gang celebrating the 40th anniversary of their iconic hit ‘Rapper’s Delight’. Released on Sugarhill Records, the song was produced by Sylvia Robinson and features the songwriting talents of Chic’s Nile Rogers and Bernard Edwards. The first rap single to become a Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, it’s RIAA certified and twice Platinum. The song became an international hit, charting in the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland to name just a few. It has featured extensively on TV, in films and been famously performed live on chat shows across America, UK and Europe by A list celebrities from all fields and with varying degrees of musical talent!
“We are very excited to celebrate the 40th anniversary of ‘Rapper’s Delight.’ An iconic and global success, it stands as a true testament of the power of hip-hop music,” says the band’s Hendogg. “To see the crowds of people, generation after generation, sing this song and to be able to perform it all over the world is a blessing.”
The group in association with Ewing Athletics, will be releasing a trainer to celebrate the song. They also mark the 40th anniversary by looking forward to their next chapter. Along with fellow hip-hop architects Grandmaster Melle Mel and Scorpio of The Furious 5, they have joined forces to form a supergroup. This is a hugely significant event in hip-hop culture, these two groups put the genre on the map.
Grandmaster Melle Mel and Scorpio, along with fellow MCs The Creole Kidd, Keith Cowboy, and Rahiem, have created some of the genre’s most iconic songs, including platinum selling classic ‘The Message’, the first hip-hop record to be inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Anti-drug song ‘White Lines (Don’t Do It)’ was covered by mega new wave band Duran Duran in 1995, peaking at number five on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart and hits like ‘Beat Street’ and ‘Step Off’ have become genre defining classics.
Through their alliance, these hip-hop legends are already in the studio recording new music whilst booking dates for their 2019 US and European tour.
“This is history in the making. We’ve seen the evolution of hip-hop and rap go from a place where there was a lot of naysayers to it being a full-blown respected genre taking over pop culture. This Is amazing!” says Scorpio of The Furious 5. “To be successful doing what we love and now joining together to continue to make history is a blessing.”
More About the Sugarhill Gang:
The Sugarhill Gang is made up of original members Wonder Mike (Michael Wright), Master Gee (Guy O’Brien) and Henry Jackson (Big Bank Hank) who helped to put hip-hop and rap on the map.
In 1979, the group burst onto the scene with the global hit ‘Rapper’s Delight’ and went on to top charts all over the world, selling over eight million copies. They went on to release hits as ‘Apache’, ‘8th Wonder’ and ‘Living in the Fast Lane.’ Wonder Mike and Master Gee teamed up with Henry Williams (Hendogg) and DJ T. Dynasty, both of whom have performed with the group for over twenty years. In 2009, the group released their first song in 25 years with international DJ phenomenon Bob Sinclair. ‘The LaLa Song’ quickly became an uber hit overseas, securing Song of the Year in many European countries. Wonder Mike, Master Gee, Hendogg and DJ Dynasty continue to create a party atmosphere for sold out crowds throughout the world.
More About Grandmaster Melle Mel & Scorpio Furious 5:
Grandmaster Melle Mel and Scorpio are two of the original members of the iconic Hip Hop group Grandmaster Flash & the Furious 5. With DJ Grandmaster Flash and five MCs – Melle Mel, The Kidd Creole, Keef Cowboy, Mr. Ness/Scorpio, and Rahiem, the group’s use of turntablism, break-beat deejaying, and conscious lyricism was significant in the early development of Hip Hop music.
1982 saw the group sign to Sugar Hill Records where they rose to prominence evolving to become Grandmaster Melle Mel & The Furious Five and releasing several hits including ‘The Message’and ‘White Lines’. The Furious Five have reunited several times over the last three decades and continue on through Grandmaster Melle Mel and Scorpio who entertain fans around the world.
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Instagram:
Melle Mel: https://www.instagram.com/mellemelglover/?hl=en
Scorpio: https://www.instagram.com/scorpiofurious5/?hl=en
Hen Dogg:https://www.instagram.com/therealhendogg/?hl=en
