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Biography
In 1973 New Jersey residents Michael “Wonder Mike” Wright, Henry “Big Bank Hank” Jackson, and Guy “Master Gee” O’Brien were assembled by producer Sylvia Robinson and formed The Sugarhill Gang. Sylvia Robinson and record mogul husband Joe Robinson were also founders of the label Sugar Hill Records named after the Sugar Hill, Harlem, New York neighbourhood.
Sylvia Robinson, aware of the popularity of hip-hop block parties tried to cash in and produce an infectious and catchy hit. The Sugarhill Gang released the single “Rapper’s Delight” in 1979 and became an instant worldwide hit with its notoriously groovy and danceable bass line of Bernard Edwards from Chic’s “Good Times”. “Rapper’s Delight” has gone on to sell over eight million copies worldwide, peaked at No. 3 in the UK singles chart and has been considered the first song to popularise rap in the U.S. and around the world.
Despite their early success, The Sugarhill Gang were unable to capitalise on their popularity with all of their albums failing to perform well commercially and critically. The band released an eponymously-titled debut album in 1980, and a sophomore album titled “8th Wonder” in 1982. After “Rapper’s Delight” the band had a number of moderate hit singles including “8th Wonder”, “Apache” and “Showdown”, although for the most part faded out of public consciousness by the mid-1980s.
The group returned in April 1999 to release the children’s rap album “Jump on It!” through Rhino Entertainment. The album was relatively well-received, featured a child friendly version of “Rapper’s Delight” and maintained the band’s old school hip-hop vibe. In 2014 Big Bank Hank died at the age of 58 after a long battle with lung cancer.
Live reviews
There are rap legends, and then there’s the Sugarhill Gang. With the old-school classic ‘Rapper’s Delight’ in 1979, the New Jersey outfit basically came to define what hip hop was for future generations, and also displayed a canny bit of forward-thinking in interpolating the Chic track ‘Good Times’ into the song, apparently predicting their recent renaissance decades in advance. ‘Rapper’s Delight’, in 2011, was preserved into the National Recording Registry, telling you all you need to know about its cultural significance. They had a slew of hits since - ‘Apache’ included - but never again quite recaptured the magic that made their biggest hit so genre-defining. Later on, they’d eventually disband in 2007, eight years after releasing their last album, Jump on It!, and continuing to play live sporadically in the interim. They reformed, though, shortly afterwards, and still tour today; they’re on the road in the UK and Europe as I type this, with a recent club show in Manchester meeting with superb reviews - as well as running through their own back catalogue, the group offered their own takes on Run-D.M.C.’s ‘Walk This Way’ and House of Pain’s ‘Jump Around’, making the evening a genuine old-school extravaganza.
Joeg_67
Hip hop group The Sugarhill Gang became a record breaking, historic piece of the genre when their 1979 single 'Rapper's Delight' became the first rap Billboard Hot 100 top 40 single. Wonder Mike and Master Gee continue to tour after the death of former member Big Bank Hank. The crowd remains ever enthusiastic as the rappers step onto stage to the sound of the rolling bass notes of 'White Lines'. The ground literally begins to shake with sound and the anticipation that has been gathering finally erupts in momentous cheers.
The two musicians seem transfixed in the zone momentarily as they play the opener followed by 'The Word Is Out' in quick succession. After the initial frenzy has died down they take time to thank the crowds for coming out and explaining their appreciation for the continued support. Although the rappers are now pushing into their 60s, they still have a natural swagger and confidence that only comes with reputation. The audience is quietly awaiting the double hit finale of 'Apache' and the synonymous 'Rapper's Delight' which sound fresh as ever, becoming even more momentous as the crowds lift the choruses to the ceiling.
sean-ward
Still going strong the sugerhill gang i meet them all after the concert and they signed my cds nice one lads fantastic show a must see great for old school hip hop and the 02 forum great venue
Ernieonley
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