1979 in hip-hop

Last updated
List of years in hip hop music
+...

This article summarizes the events, album releases, and album release dates in hip hop music for the year 1979.

Contents

Releases

March

Fatback Band – King Tim III (Personality Jock)

On March 25, 1979, the Fatback Band released the single "King Tim III (Personality Jock)" which is often cited as the first recorded hip hop song. [1] However, a song called "Enterprise" was released on July 7, 1978, as part of the record album from the Broadway musical play Runaways (Original Broadway Cast Recording). [2] [3] is also considered as the first recorded hip hop song. However, the exact origins of hip hop remain debated, with various recordings and performances from the 1970s contributing to its early development. Regardless of the specific milestone, these early releases laid the foundation for the vibrant and influential genre that hip hop would become. [4]

September

The Sugarhill Gang – Rapper's Delight

On September 16, 1979, The Sugarhill Gang released the single Rapper's Delight, which became the first commercially successful hip-hop song. It was the first rap song to appear on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching number 37, and peaked at number 4 on the R&B charts. [5] It is often mistaken as the first recorded hip hop song. [1] The song was increasingly popular outside of the United States especially in the United Kingdom and Canada-it exceeded over $3.5 million in sales and over two million in copies within the first few weeks of its launching. In 2011, the song was preserved into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress stat, especially in the United Kingdom and Canada. It exceeded over $3.5 million in sales and over two million in copies within the first few weeks of its launching, [6] the infectious dance number might have launched an entire genre. [7] In 2014, "Rapper's Delight" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Over 14 million copies of "Rapper's Delight" have been sold since 1979. [6]

December

Kurtis Blow – Christmas Rappin'

Russell Simmons decided that he wanted to create a rap record with Kurtis Blow. He realized that the best way of earning money was by creating a Christmas record as it would be played every year. After playing the song for 22 labels, they finally got it released on Mercury Records. [8] The record was eventually sold over 500,000 times. [9] There were obstacles in their way as they tried to make "Christmas Rappin'" widely available. Even with the song's obvious popularity, record labels refused to support Simmons and Blow because they doubted rap music could succeed, particularly when it comes to Christmas music. They continued anyhow, playing the song for a number of labels before they eventually signed a record deal with Mercury Records.

Hip-hop history reached a major turning point with the publication of "Christmas Rappin'," which propelled the genre into the public eye over the Christmas season. Sales of more over 500,000 copies proved its success beyond all predictions, demonstrating its ongoing appeal and cultural influence. December is a time for celebration, and the combination of hip-hop and Christmas music adds a special touch to the Christmas season. "Christmas Rappin'" by Kurtis Blow, a groundbreaking song in the genre, is one noteworthy example. Not only was the creation of this timeless song a creative inspiration, but it was also a calculated move to capitalize on the popularity of holiday-themed music. Russell Simmons, a creative entrepreneur with a keen understanding of the music business, was the inspiration behind "Christmas Rappin'". Seeing Christmas rap albums as a rich man's opportunity, Simmons went to work with one of the leading names in the new hip-hop scene, Kurtis Blow. Together, they set out to produce a song that would serve as both an enduring and entertaining piece of music. As we reflect on the legacy of "Christmas Rappin'," we are reminded of the power of music to transcend boundaries and unite people in celebration. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, let us take a moment to appreciate the timeless classics that bring joy and cheer to our lives, including the iconic sounds of Kurtis Blow's "Christmas Rappin'."

Unknown month

Bramsam – Move Your Body [10]

Dr. Superman / Lady Sweet – Can You Do It (Superman) / Back to Metropolis [11]

David Lampell – I Ran Iran [12]

Eddie Cheba – Lookin' Good (Shake Your Body) [13]

Family – Family Rap [14]

First Class – Rappin' It Up [15]

Funky Constellation – Street Talk (Madam Rapper) [16]

Funky Four Plus One – Rappin' and Rocking the House [17]

Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five – SuperRappin' [18]

Jocko – Rhythm Talk [19]

Jocko – The Rocketship [20]

Jazzy 4 MC's – MC Rock [21]

Joe Bataan – Rap-O Clap-O / El Rap-O Clap-O [22]

Lady B – To The Beat Y'all [23]

Lady D / MC Tee – Lady D / Nu Sounds [24]

Little Starsky – Gangster Rock [25]

Mr. Q – D. J. Style [26]

Mr. Q – Ladies Delight [27]

Mr. Q – Love & Time / Rapping Time [28]

Mr. Q – Party Party / Party Rapp [29]

Neil B / Brooklyn Express – Body Rock [30]

The Sequence – Funk You Up [31]

Ron Hunt / Ronnie G. & The S.M. Crew – Spiderap / A Corona Jam [32]

Paulett and Tanya Winley / Ann Winley – Rhymin' and Rappin' / Watch Dog [33]

Scoopy – Scoopy Rap [34]

Sicle Cell & Rhapazooty – Rhapazooty in Blue [35]

Spoonie Gee – Spoonin Rap [36]

Steve Gordon & The Kosher Five – Take My Rap... Please [37]

T.J. Swan – And You Know That [38]

Troy Rainey – Tricky Tee Rap [39]

Uno – Boogie Beat [40]

Wackie's Disco Rock Band – Wack Rap [41]

Willie Wood & Willie Wood Crew – Willie Rap [42]

Mr. Magic – Rappin' With Mr. Magic

Xanadu & Sweet Lady – Rappers Delight / Rockers Choice [43]

Younger Generation (early name of Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five) – We Rap More Mellow [44]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kurtis Blow</span> American rapper (born 1959)

Kurtis Walker, known professionally by his stage name Kurtis Blow, is an American rapper, songwriter, and record producer. Walker is the first commercially successful rapper and the first to sign with a major record label. "The Breaks", a single from his 1980 self-titled debut album, is the first certified gold record rap song. Throughout his career he has released 17 albums and is currently an ordained minister.

Old-school hip hop is the earliest commercially recorded hip hop music and the original style of the genre. It typically refers to the music created around 1979 to 1983, as well as any hip hop that does not adhere to contemporary styles.

The new school of hip hop was a movement in hip hop music, beginning in 1983–84 with the early records of Run–D.M.C., Whodini, and LL Cool J. Predominantly from Queens and Brooklyn, it was characterized by Drum Machine-led minimalism, often tinged with elements of Rock; rapped taunts, boasts, and socio-political commentary; and aggressive, self-assertive delivery. In song and image, its artists projected a tough, cool, street B-boy attitude. These elements contrasted sharply with Funk and Disco, Novelty hits, live bands, synthesizers, and party rhymes of artists prevalent in the early 1980s. Compared to their older hip hop counterparts, new school artists crafted more cohesive LPs and shorter songs more amenable to airplay. By 1986, their releases began to establish hip hop in the mainstream.

<i>Kurtis Blow</i> (album) 1980 studio album by Kurtis Blow

Kurtis Blow is the debut album by American rapper Kurtis Blow. It was released on September 29, 1980, by Mercury Records. The record includes the song "The Breaks", which was often sampled later in hip-hop records, mainly for its introduction made by Blow's a cappella vocal, and for the drum break, giving a wordplay dimension to the title. "Rappin' Blow, Pt. 2" was issued as a single that had a do-it-yourself B-side, the instrumental version. "Takin' Care of Business" is one of the first hip hop and rock ’n’ roll crossover attempts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Fat Boys</span> American hip hop trio

The Fat Boys were an American hip hop trio from Brooklyn, New York, who emerged in the early 1980s. The group was briefly known originally as the Disco 3, originally composed of Mark "Prince Markie Dee" Morales, Damon "Kool Rock-Ski" Wimbley, and Darren "Buff Love" Robinson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five</span> American hip hop group (1978–1988)

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five were an American hip hop group formed in the South Bronx of New York City in 1978. The group's members were Grandmaster Flash, Kidd Creole, Keef Cowboy, Melle Mel, Scorpio, and Rahiem. The group's use of turntablism, breakbeat DJing, and conscious lyricism were significant in the early development of hip hop music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lady B</span> American rapper

Bahiyyah Clark, born Wendy Clark, better known by her stage name Lady B, is an American radio DJ and rapper from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is one of the earliest female rappers in hip hop, and the first female hip hop artist to record a single, "To the Beat, Y'all", in 1979. Clark's rise and long influence in the genre earned her the title as "Godmother of Hip Hop". She was one of the first DJs to play rap records on the radio outside New York, playing artists such as Will Smith, Run-DMC, Queen Latifah, LL Cool J, and Public Enemy at the start of their careers.

<i>The Third Unheard: Connecticut Hip Hop 1979–1983</i> 2004 compilation album by Various Artists

The Third Unheard: Connecticut Hip Hop 1979–1983 is a compilation of old school hip hop music from Connecticut, a place not generally known for its rap music scene.

<i>Operation: Get Down</i> 1997 studio album by Craig Mack

Operation: Get Down is the second solo studio album by American rapper Craig Mack. It was released in June 1997 through Street Life Records. Recording sessions took place at Santa Monica Sound Recorders in California. Production was handled by Al West, Demarie "Meech" Sheki, Prince Markie Dee, Johnny "J", Ty Fyffe, and Eric B., who also served as executive producer. It features contributions from Demarie Sheki, PJ DeMarks, La Shawn Monet and Natasha Barr. The album peaked at number 46 on the Billboard 200 and number 17 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart in the United States. Its lead single "What I Need" was a minor success reaching #103 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #55 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.

<i>Fat Boys</i> (album) 1984 studio album by The Fat Boys

Fat Boys is the self-titled debut studio album by American hip hop group the Fat Boys, released on May 29, 1984, by Sutra Records. It was produced by Kurtis Blow. The album is dedicated to the memory of Rebecca Wimbley and William (Divine) Santos. It peaked at number 48 on the US Billboard 200, and number 6 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart. The album was certified Gold by the RIAA on May 6, 1985.

<i>Big Apple Rappin</i> 2006 compilation album by Various artists

Big Apple Rappin' is a 2006 compilation album released on Soul Jazz Records. The album is a compilation of the early days of New York hip hop by Johan Kugelberg, who had collected early hip hop material, specifically records flyers and fanzines and other memorabilia with the idea to donate them to an academic institution. The music Kugelberg gathered for the compilation surrounded hip hop music released around the period "Rapper's Delight" became a hit song. The music is predominantly hip hop with a disco backing tracks which Kugelberg described as "the first great records." Along with the music, photography and flyers were compiled from the era, as well as interviews with DJs and rappers such as Grandmaster Caz and Glen Adams.

Paul Winley Records Inc. was a doo-wop record label founded in 1956 that, in 1979, became one of the earliest hip hop labels. It was situated on 125th Street, Harlem, New York City. Winley released doo-wop by The Paragons and The Jesters, and hip hop records by Paul Winley's daughters, Tanya and Paulette, produced by Winley's wife, Ann. The label can lay claim to a number of firsts: one of the earliest rock and roll compilations, one of the earliest breaks compilations, an early solo female rap artist and an early instance of social commentary in rap. Winley was also the first label to record one of hip hop's most important figures, Afrika Bambaataa.

"Rappin' Duke" is a 1984 hip-hop novelty song by Shawn Brown performing as the Rappin' Duke. It is the sixth track on Brown's 1985 album ¿Que Pasa?. The premise of the song is that actor, John Wayne, nicknamed The Duke, is rapping.

<i>Like Mike</i> (soundtrack) 2002 soundtrack album by various artists

Like Mike: Music From the Motion Picture is the soundtrack to John Schultz's 2002 American sports comedy film Like Mike. It was released on July 2, 2002 through So So Def/Columbia/Sony Soundtrax and consists of hip hop and contemporary R&B music. Production was handled by Jermaine Dupri, Chris Stokes, Cutmaster Swiff, Just Blaze, Kerry Brothers Jr., Platinum Status, Pop-Trax, Rainfall, The Neptunes and Trackmasters, with Alicia Keys and LaMarquis Jefferson serving as co-producers. It features contributions from the film star Lil' Bow Wow, as well as Amerie, B2K, Jagged Edge, Jermaine Dupri, Fabolous, Fundisha, Mario, R.O.C., Solange Knowles, The Crowd Pleasers, TQ and Young Steff.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Larry Smith (producer)</span> Musical artist

Lawrence Smith was a pioneering American musician and hip hop record producer. He is best known for his co-productions of Run-DMC's Run-D.M.C. (1984) and King of Rock (1985) and his solo production of Whodini's Escape (1984) and Back in Black (1986).

Tanya "Sweet Tee" Winley is one of the earliest female rappers, active from 1979 to 1982. She is the daughter of Paul Winley, of Winley Records on 125th Street in Harlem. Paul Winley recorded Tanya's and sister Paulette's "Rhymin' and Rappin'" (1979) and Tanya's solo "Vicious Rap" (1980), which are two of the earliest examples of rap songs by women. Tanya Winley is possibly the first recorded female rapper, and was a contemporary of Lady B.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Run-DMC</span> American hip hop group

Run-DMC was an American hip hop group from Hollis, Queens, New York City, formed in 1983 by Joseph Simmons, Darryl McDaniels, and Jason Mizell. Run-DMC is regarded as one of the most influential acts in the history of hip hop culture and especially one of the most famous hip hop acts of the 1980s. Along with Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, and Public Enemy, the group pioneered new-school hip hop music and helped usher in the golden age of hip hop. The group was among the first to highlight the importance of the MC and DJ relationship.

James Wesley McGee was an American-Canadian musician. He was most noted for several early rap singles released under the stage name Mr. Q, including "Ladies Delight", the first known Canadian hip hop single.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robert Ford Jr.</span> American journalist and record producer (1949–2020)

Robert "Rocky" Ford Jr. was an American journalist and record producer. While working for Billboard in 1978, Ford wrote the first article about hip-hop to appear in any major publication. He went on to produce albums and write songs for acts including Kurtis Blow, Rodney Dangerfield, and Full Force, and has been recognized as having played "a crucial role in early commercial hip-hop". Ford has been credited as a mentor by entrepreneur Russell Simmons.

This article presents the discography of Kurtis Blow, an American hip hop artist.

References

  1. 1 2 William Jelani Cobb, To the Break of Dawn: A Freestyle on the Hip Hop Aesthetic (New York University Press, 2007) p.44
  2. ↑ Joseph Papp Presents - Runaways (in French), retrieved 2022-08-29
  3. ↑ "Runaways – Original Cast Recording 1978". The Official Masterworks Broadway Site. Retrieved 2022-08-29.
  4. ↑ "HIP HOP HISTORY: FROM THE STREETS TO THE MAINSTREAM".
  5. ↑ Murphy, Keith (2023-08-07). "'I said a hip-hop, the hippie, the hippie / to the hip, hip-hop and you don't stop...'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2024-04-30.
  6. 1 2 Reese, Eric (2011). ""Rapper's Delight"-- Sugarhill Gang (1979)" (PDF). Library of Congress (.gov).
  7. ↑ "Recordings by Donna Summer, Prince and Dolly Parton Named to the National Recording Registry". The Library of Congress. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  8. ↑ "HHE Transcripts: Kurtis Blow and Russell Simmons Tell The Story Behind "Christmas Rappin'" to Hip-Hop Evolution | Hip-Hop Evolution". Hip-Hop Evolution. 2016-12-19. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  9. ↑ George, Nelson (2003-08-15). The Death of Rhythm and Blues. Penguin. ISBN   9781101160671.
  10. ↑ "Bramsam - Move Your Body". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  11. ↑ "Dr. Superman & Lady Sweet – Can You Do It (Superman)". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  12. ↑ "David Lampell – I Ran Iran". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  13. ↑ "Eddie Cheba – Lookin' Good (Shake Your Body)". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  14. ↑ "Family (4) – Family Rap". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  15. ↑ "First Class (8) – Rappin' It Up". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  16. ↑ "Funky Constellation – Street Talk (Madam Rapper)". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  17. ↑ "Funky Four Plus One More* – Rappin And Rocking The House". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  18. ↑ "Grandmaster Flash And The Furious Five* – Superappin'". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  19. ↑ "Jocko – Rhythm Talk". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  20. ↑ "Jocko – The Rocketship". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  21. ↑ "Jazzy 4 MC's – MC Rock". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  22. ↑ "Joe Bataan – Rap-O Clap-O". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  23. ↑ "Lady B (2) – To The Beat Y'all". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  24. ↑ "Lady D (2) / M.C. Tee* – Lady D / Nu Sounds". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  25. ↑ "Little Starsky / Land Of Hits Orchestra – Gangster Rock". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  26. ↑ "Mr. Q.* – D. J. Style". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  27. ↑ "Mr. Q (2) – Ladies Delight". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  28. ↑ "Mr Q* – Love & Time". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  29. ↑ "Mr. Q.* – Party Party". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  30. ↑ "Neil "B" / Brooklyn Express – Body Rock". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  31. ↑ "The Sequence – Funk You Up". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  32. ↑ "Ron Hunt / Ronnie G. & The S.M. Crew – Spiderap / A Corona Jam". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  33. ↑ "Paulette* And Tanya Winley / Ann Winley – Rhymin' And Rappin' / Watch Dog". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  34. ↑ "Scoopy – Scoopy Rap". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  35. ↑ "Sicle Cell & Rhapazooty – Rhapazooty In Blue". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  36. ↑ "Spoonin Gee* – Spoonin Rap". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  37. ↑ "Steve Gordon & The Kosher Five – Take My Rap... Please". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  38. ↑ "T.J. Swan* – And You Know That". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  39. ↑ "Troy Rainey – Tricky Tee Rap". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  40. ↑ "Uno (7) – Boogie Beat". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  41. ↑ "Solid C., Bobby D.*, Kool Drop (2), Wackie's Disco Rock Band – Wack Rap". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  42. ↑ "Willie Wood & Willie Wood Crew – Willie Rap". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  43. ↑ "Xanadu (2) & Sweet Lady – Rappers Delight / Rockers Choice". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
  44. ↑ "The Younger Generation – We Rap More Mellow". Discogs. Retrieved 2017-07-25.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.