679: THE SUGAR HILL RECORDS STORY | VARIOUS ARTISTS

The Sugar Hill Records Story is a compilation album that showcases the history and legacy of the first rap and hip-hop label, Sugar Hill Records. The album was released in 1997 by Rhino Records, who had acquired the rights to the label’s catalog in 1995. The album contains 56 tracks that span from 1979 to 1986, featuring some of the most influential and innovative artists and songs in the genre.

The album covers the evolution of rap and hip-hop from its origins in the Bronx, where DJs and MCs would mix disco, funk, and soul beats with rhymes and scratches, to its emergence as a mainstream and global phenomenon. The album includes classics such as “Rapper’s Delight” by The Sugarhill Gang, the first rap song to reach the top 40 charts; “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, a social commentary on urban life; “That’s the Joint” by Funky 4 + 1, a female-led group that showcased rap’s diversity; “Monster Jam” by Spoonie Gee, a pioneer of storytelling rap; and “The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheels of Steel” by Grandmaster Flash, a masterful demonstration of DJ skills.

The album also features lesser-known gems such as “Super-Wolf Can Do It” by Super Wolf, a humorous and catchy tune; “Hot Hot Summer Day” by The Sugarhill Gang, a summery and upbeat song; “And You Know That” by The Sequence, a funky and sassy track; “Whip It” by Treacherous Three, a fast and furious rap; and “At the Ice Arcade” by The Chilly Kids, a quirky and fun homage to the B-52’s.

The album is not only a collection of great music, but also a document of rap and hip-hop culture, history, and innovation. The album captures the spirit, energy, creativity, and diversity of the genre, as well as its impact on society and other musical styles. The album is a must-have for any fan of rap and hip-hop, or anyone who wants to learn more about this influential and exciting musical movement.