Hailing from Englewood, New Jersey, the Sugarhill Gang holds an indelible place in the history of hip hop. Formed in 1979, the trio, comprised of Michael “Wonder Mike” Wright, Henry “Big Bank Hank” Jackson, and Guy “Master Gee” O’Brien, etched their name in music lore with their groundbreaking hit, “Rapper’s Delight.” Released the same year as their formation, the track made history as the first rap single to breach the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at an impressive number 36 on January 12, 1980.

While “Rapper’s Delight” stands as their sole U.S. chart-topper, the Sugarhill Gang found enduring success across the Atlantic, maintaining their influence in Europe until the mid-1980s. After a hiatus, the trio reunited in 1994, demonstrating their lasting impact on the hip hop landscape. In 2016, they embarked on a world tour, captivating audiences with their iconic rhymes and infectious beats.

The Sugarhill Gang’s trailblazing contribution to rap music, marked by their seminal hit and the cultural shift it ignited, remains an integral part of the genre’s evolution. With a legacy that spans decades, the Sugarhill Gang’s influence on hip hop endures, cementing their status as pioneers in the rhythmic realm of urban poetry and beats.