Sugarhill Gang - Rappers Delight (1979)

This pioneering group inaugurated the recorded history of hip hop with their single "Rapper's Delight", a multi-platinum seller in 1980. Englewood based producer and indie label owner Sylvia Robinson had become aware of the hip hop block parties occurring around New York during the late 1970s, so she gathered three locals from her town: Guy O'Brien, who was the original Master Gee; another local rapper, Michael Wright, who called himself Wonder Mike, and Big Bank Hank. The vocalists were then teamed up with three session musicians, namely the future Living Colour bassist, Doug Wimbish, guitarist Little Axe and drummer Keith LeBlanc. Together, they recorded all of the Sugarhill Gang's work.