The Sugarhill Gang

Formed in NYC in the late '70s, the Sugarhill Gang were one of the true pioneers of hip hop. "Rapper's Delight" was arguably the first rap song to be played on the radio, exposing many unsuspecting listeners to a new and exciting style of music coming out of the Bronx. They are practically synonymous with the phrase "old-school," even though their hit song has shown a staying power and widespread appeal rare with early rappers. Their style was simple enough, multiple emcees incorporating storytelling, humor, and crowd participation over repeated grooves. Twenty years later, in an industry where self-styled Mafioso and teenage millionaires abound, the Sugarhill Gang's upbeat party jams are a refreshing blast from the past, harkening back to a simpler era when it was still cool to "just throw your hands in the air, and wave 'em like you just don't care."