- Band Members: Wonder Mike, Master Gee, Big Bank Hank
- Genre: Hip-Hop
- Influenced by: Cold Crush Brothers
- Followed By: Songodsuns, Luscious Jackson, Positive Black Soul, Prophets of Da City, Supernatural, Beastie Boys, Amy Len, 2Mex, The Herbaliser, Run-D.M.C., Fat Boys
- Similar Artists: Kurtis Blow, Boogie Down Productions, Fat Boys, Public Enemy, U.T.F.O., Whodini, Trouble Funk, ESG, Afrika Bambaataa, Eric B. & Rakim, Grandmaster Flash, Spoonie Gee, Grandmixer D.ST, LL Cool J, Run-D.M.C., Funky 4 + 1, Kool DJ Herc
Though the Sugarhill Gang inaugurated the history of recorded hip-hop with their single "Rapper's Delight," a multi-platinum seller and radio hit in 1979, the group was cooked up to cash in on a supposed novelty item. Music-industry producer and label-owner Sylvia Robinson had become aware of the massive hip-hop block parties occurring around the New York area during the late '70s, so she gathered three local rappers (Master Gee, Wonder Mike, and Big Bank Hank) to record a single. Infectious and catchy, "Rapper's Delight" borrowed the break from Chic's "Good Times" and became a worldwide hit, eventually selling more than eight million copies. Most industry people figured rap for a short-lived trend, and though they were dead wrong, the Sugarhill Gang certainly didn't carry the torch; despite several modest hits ("8th Wonder," "Apache") the trio faded quickly and was gone by the mid-'80s, only returning in 1999 with Jump on It, a rap album for children. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
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All The Way 'Live' Platinum-plated rapper Lil' Wayne will join Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps for the season premiere of 'SNL.' Also news on 5Macis Staple, Yolanda Adams and DMX. All of that and much more in Black Music Notes.