The Sugarhill Gang
Sugar Hill Records owner Sylvia Robinson assembled the Sugarhill Gang from scratch in 1979 specifically to record 'Rapper's Delight,' hiring a house band to replay Chic's 'Good Times' without permission, a decision that led directly to a copyright suit from Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, settled by giving both songwriting credit. The group drew criticism in the Bronx, where working DJs and MCs saw their catchphrases and routines lifted without credit by rappers who hadn't come up through the scene's actual party circuit.
The full story is in Early New York Hip-Hop.
At a glance
- Active
- 1979–present
- From
- Englewood, New Jersey
- Records in the issues
- 1 (1979), 1 of them a Start here pick
- Original label
- Disques Vogue
- Listening guide track
- “Rapper's Delight”
Listen
In the Early New York Hip-Hop listening guide: “Rapper's Delight”
In the issues
- Early New York Hip-HopSupporting cast · 1973-1986 · Members
Early New York Hip-Hop is a music scene from New York City, USA, 1973–1986. Its principal artists include DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. This issue covers 9 essential albums and 13 dated events.