Google’s Doodle hip-hop anniversary includes Sugarhill Gang, Grandmaster Flash, Run DMC and more of the genre’s founding artists.

Google has celebrated the anniversary of the birth of hip-hop with a Google Doodle that gives users the chance to test out their DJ skills. Songs featured included all-time classics from hip-hop’s early days, including the original sample used for the Sugarhill Gang’s  ‘Apache’, Run DMC’s ‘Here We Go’ and Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five’s ‘The Message’.

Google Doodle – 44 Years of Hip-Hop – Storyboard

Grandmaster Flash himself receives a profile which hails him as ‘˜The Innovator’ for those who unlock it as a reward. As do Run DMC, here dubbed ‘The Kings of Rock’.

The Doodle was deeper than most, with in-depth tutorials from Fab 5 Freddie, host of Yo! MTV Raps. Freddie guided users through changing records, scratching, and key matching.

Google Doodle – 44 Years of Hip-Hop – Interactive Decks

In case you missed it, head here to try the Doodle for yourself.

As well as educating internet users worldwide, the Doodle prompted many media outlets to cover the history of hip-hop. Time Magazine, Mixmag, The Huffington Post and many more recalled the genre’s origins, and celebrated its cultural importance. This coverage naturally featured mentions of iconic hip-hop DJs and rappers once again.

Read our feature articles on hip-hop’s early days and hip-hop’s Golden Age to keep the celebration going.

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Book Sugarhill Gang, Grandmaster Flash, or Run DMC to bring the celebrations to your venue.