The Furious Five & Sugar Hill Gang
Icons of Old-School Hip-Hop and Rap’s Golden Age
The Furious Five and Sugar Hill Gang stand as legends in the world of hip-hop, representing the foundation of the genre. Formed during rap's infancy, The Furious Five gained fame alongside Grandmaster Flash, crafting socially conscious hits like "The Message," which became a defining track of early hip-hop. The Sugar Hill Gang made history by releasing "Rapper's Delight," the first rap single to achieve mainstream success, bringing hip-hop to the global stage.
Together, these two acts helped shape hip-hop into a cultural phenomenon, blending lyrical brilliance with raw urban storytelling and infectious beats. Their contributions paved the way for generations of hip-hop artists to follow.
Key Achievements / Highlights
The Furious Five were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, the first hip-hop group to receive the honor.
Sugar Hill Gang’s "Rapper's Delight" was the first rap song to hit the Billboard Hot 100, marking the mainstream arrival of hip-hop.
The Furious Five’s "The Message" was named one of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time by Rolling Stone.
Their tracks continue to be sampled in modern hip-hop, with both groups influencing artists from Jay-Z to Kanye West.
Music and Videos + Photos
Genre: Hip-Hop, Rap, Funk
Years Active: 1978/1979 – Present
