The Sugarhill Gang

The Sugarhill Gang

The Sugarhill Gang are an American old-school hip-hop group from Englewood, New Jersey, formed in 1979. The group is associated with early hip-hop and is commonly linked with east coast hip hop, electro, funk, hip hop, old school hip hop and pop rap.

Formation and original lineup

The original lineup consists of Henry “Big Bank Hank” Jackson, Michael “Wonder Mike” Wright and Guy “Master Gee” O’Brien. The group is assembled by producer Sylvia Robinson, who co-founds Sugar Hill Records with her husband Joe Robinson. Both the group and the label take their name from the Sugar Hill neighbourhood of Harlem.

Early success

The Sugarhill Gang’s debut single, “Rapper’s Delight”, becomes the first rap single to reach the Billboard Hot 100 top 40, peaking at number 36. It remains the group’s only US top 40 hit, although the group also finds commercial success in Europe in the early and mid-1980s. Their recordings combine rapping with disco, funk and soul elements, and are regarded as influential in the development of later hip-hop styles.

Releases and recordings

After “Rapper’s Delight”, the group releases several European charting singles, including “Apache”, “8th Wonder”, “Rapper’s Reprise (Jam Jam)” and “Showdown”, the last of which is recorded with the Furious Five. “8th Wonder” is performed on the television programme Soul Train in 1981. The group’s studio albums include Sugarhill Gang, 8th Wonder, Rappin’ Down Town, Livin’ in the Fast Lane and Jump On It!. The 1999 album Jump On It! is a hip-hop children’s album.

Breakups, reunions and later activity

The group disbands in 1985 and reunites in 1994, with later years marked by disputes over the use of the group name and stage names. In 1990, the original members briefly reunite for the RapMania: The Roots of Rap concert at the Apollo Theater in New York City. Joey Robinson later re-forms the group in 1994, while O’Brien does not rejoin at that stage and Robinson performs under the stage name “Master Gee”. Wright, O’Brien and Williams later perform as “Rapper’s Delight Featuring Wonder Mike and Master Gee”, while Joey Robinson and Jackson continue as the Sugarhill Gang.

Later lineups and touring

After the rights to the Sugarhill Gang name are regained, the group collaborates with French producer and DJ Bob Sinclar on the 2009 single “Lala Song”. Jackson dies in 2014. By 2024, the group consists of Wright, O’Brien, Henry “Hen Dogg” Williams, DJ T-Dynasty and Bar Shon “Ethiopian King”. Wright is unable to travel from 2025 and does not tour with the group.

Live appearances and anniversary touring

In 2016, Wright, O’Brien and Williams begin touring under the Sugarhill Gang name again. Performances include the Art of Rap festival tour, V Festival in the United Kingdom, Clockenflap Festival in Hong Kong, Depot in the Park Festival in Cardiff in 2017, and North Nibley Festival in England in 2019. That year the group marks the 40th anniversary of both its formation and the release of “Rapper’s Delight” with the Rapper’s Delight 40th Anniversary World Tour. During 2019, the group records new material and performs “Rapper’s Delight” on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.