- 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, LEN, 2Mex, The Herbaliser, Run-D.M.C., The Fat Boys
- Similar Artists: Kurtis Blow, Boogie Down Productions, The 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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