This 1979 single on Sanctuary Records is widely regarded as the track that introduced hip-hop to a mainstream audience, transcending the genre's origins in New York block parties.
- The song samples the bassline from Chic's "Good Times" and features a then-unprecedented length of over 14 minutes for a single.
- Despite its success, none of the members of The Sugarhill Gang actually wrote the lyrics; the song was largely penned by Sylvia Robinson, and the performance featured contributions from Grandmaster Caz, Melle Mel, and DJ Hollywood.
- "Rapper's Delight" reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is credited with launching the commercial viability of hip-hop music.
The Sugarhill Gang were pioneers of early hip-hop, hailing from Englewood, New Jersey. "Rapper's Delight" was their breakthrough single, released at the very beginning of the genre's commercialization.
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