The Sugarhill Gang

USA, 1979–1985

New Jersey trio assembled by Sugar Hill Records. Their 'Rapper's Delight' (1979), built on Chic's 'Good Times' bassline, was the first rap single to reach the US Top 40 and brought hip-hop to a mass audience.

MusicRoots documents 2 artists who influenced The Sugarhill Gang and 0 artists The Sugarhill Gang influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced The Sugarhill Gang?

• Chic — 'Rapper's Delight' was built on the bassline of Chic's 'Good Times' — re-played by session musicians — making Chic the musical foundation of the record.
• DJ Kool Herc — The group's rapping-over-breaks format came directly from the hip-hop culture Kool Herc invented.