The Sugarhill Gang is a hip-hop group from the 70s and 80s. They are credit… Read Full Bio ↴The Sugarhill Gang is a hip-hop group from the 70s and 80s. They are credited with releasing hip-hop's first single to find a mainstream audience beyond the hip-hop scene with their song "Rapper's Delight,", the very first rap song to hit the Top 40. By the mid-80s, the group faded away as the hip-hop scene began to expand and transform itself.

Forming in 1979 The members, all from Englewood, New Jersey, consisted of Michael "Wonder Mike" Wright, Henry "Big Bank Hank" Jackson, and Guy "Master Gee" O'Brien. The three were assembled into a group by producer Sylvia Robinson, who founded Sugar Hill Records with her husband, record mogul Joe Robinson. The group and the record company are named after the Sugar Hill, Manhattan neighborhood

After the release of Rapper's Delight, the group never topped the US charts, though they had a slew of European hits, such as "Apache", "Eighth Wonder" (which was performed on the American music show Soul Train in 1981), "Rapper's Reprise (Jam Jam)," and "Showdown" (featuring Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five). In 1999, the trio reunited and recorded Jump on It! a hip hop children's album. The group continue to tour. "Here I Am," a track on their album sang by Craig Derry, achieved moderate success despite not being released as a single.

The group discontinued touring in 2007.

More Info: http://sugarhillgang.com/

8th Wonder
The Sugarhill Gang Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Clap your hands everybody
And everybody just clap your hands
Fly girls, clap your hands
Fly guys, clap your hands

Well, if you're feeling alright and you think you're on
Somebody let me know
Will everybody in the place, put a whistle in your face

Scream it out and say yo, hit it!

You don't stop
A-rock the rhythm that makes your finger pop
I said, "Ah, hip-hop, ah thanks a lot"
Ah, c'mon everybody gimme whatcha got

I'm gonna tell you a little story about the Sugarhill gang
With the pow pow boogie and a big bang bang
And if you want to rap to the Sugarhill to the beat

Gotta rap in the key of r-a-p
Now that is over I'm ready to jam
Want all you people, to clap your hands
Tonight we're gonna, scream and shout
We're gonna turn this mothasucka out
To all of you people that are ready to jam
Scream it out and say, I am! (I am)
Somebody! (somebody), now you know you're hot

See, I met this girl and I said to her, "Honey
If you want to be my baby you gotta gimme money!"
Turned around, didn't mean no harm
I knocked her out, with my vicious charm
I said, "No no, baby, it's not like that
Ya see I'm all about makin' that cold, cold cash"
Started jivin' around, started messin' wit her head
And next thing I know, she wanted to go to
But to turn me on, you got to be the best
'Cause I'm the Master G, I don't take no mess
Like T-N-T, I'm dynamite
Ya see I rock your body to the early light
And when you wake up in the morning you'll see I'm gone
And check it out, girl, you're all alone
'Cause you just been hit by the Capricorn king
I rocked you gentle, I rocked you, me
I rocked you in and I rocked you out
You made me scream but I made you shout

Go dang diddy dang di-dang di-dang diggy diggy
Dang diddy dang di-dang di-dang diggy diggy

See it's up my back, it's around my neck
Woo ha, got them all in check
See it's up my back, it's around my neck
Woo ha, got them all in check

Let's scream, and let's shout
And let's turn this function out
And keep, keep it on, but you don't rush
Let's make this party the real cold crush
Let's scream, and let's shout
Let's turn this function out
And keep keep it on, but you don't quit
Let's make the party the sure

Once upon a time not long ago
Everybody had on their radio
And then the fella came on with a groovy noise
To put the wiggle in the women and girls and boys
The word got around about three cool cats
Who put the foot, back, in the pack
And let me tell you party people just who we be
With the help of Big Bank and the Master G

So get up, throwdown
We're funkward bound
Hey, the Sugarhill gang is in your town
Now, baby doll and all you daddy-o's
You better get ready to move your toes
So get up, throwdown
We're funkward bound
Hey, the Sugarhill gang is in your town
Now, baby doll and all you daddy-o's
Scream it out and say yoooo, hit it!

Shake it, but don't break it
'Cause I know we can make make it
And if you're ready to party and you're dressed to kill
Somebody say, "Sugarhill" (Sugarhill)
Sugarhill (Sugarhill)

Ahh ahh, and let your worries take a chill pill
You go ahh, ahh, ah ahh oh ooh

Chicka pow
Ha ha ha, ha ha, hoo hoo
(Hey could somebody turn their butt)
Shake your body down, chicka pow
A get, a get, a get ready
What you see is what you get
And you ain't seen nothin' yet
I don't think I'm bad, don't box in no karate
Just an mc to put the boogie in your body
Go, back and forth then forth and back
We're the Sugarhill gang we take no slack
Don't wear diamond rings or drive big cars
But the people just treat us like movie stars

We go dang diddy dang di-dang di-dang diggy diggy
Dang diddy dang di-dang di-dang diggy diggy
Dang diddy dang di-dang di-dang diggy diggy
Dang diddy dang di-dang di-dang diggy diggy

It's up my back, it's around my neck
Woo ha, Got them all in check
See, it's up my back, it's around my neck
Woo ha, Got them all in check

Let's scream, let's shout
Let's turn this function out
And keep, keep it on, but you don't rush
Let's make this party the real cold crush
Let's scream, let's shout
Let's turn this function out
And keep, keep it on, but you don't quit
Let's make this party the sure

Well I'm the Master G, and I'm the best
All the ladies say my voice is rated x
I'm a touch of lightning, a taste of fire
Well, I'm the Master G, and I'm your desire
Young ladies, I said I rock the nation
'Cause I got my own, transportation
I can rock just about, any age
So let your fingers do the walkin' through the yellow page

So get up, throwdown
We're funkward bound
Hey, the Sugarhill gang is in your town
Now, baby doll and all you daddy-o's
You better get ready to move your toes
So get up, throwdown
We're funkward bound
Hey, the Sugarhill gang is in your town
Now, baby doll and all you daddy-o's
Scream it out and say, "Yo!", Hit it!

Shake it, ah don't break it
'Cause I know we can make make make it
You go, "Ah, ahh, ah ah oh ooh"
And if you're ready to party and you're ready to jam
Scream it out and say, I am! (I am!)
Somebody (somebody), now you know you're hot
You go, "Ah, ahh, ah ah oh ooh"
(Say what?)

Shake your body down (chicka pow)
Woo wee!
Ooh ah, ooh ah, ah huh hah hah (yeah, woo)
I see you girl, c'mon wit' it now
I want to rock your world
Get it, so get get it, get ready for this
C'mon!
Closer closer, ooh ah ooh ah!
All the girls
Aight, baby, I like to move it mambo haha, haha
Aha ha (rah)
(C'mon, yeah, closer)
(Woo ha! See that girl there?)
To the beat, beat, beat
Aha ha ha (chicka pow)
Ah huh, huh huh, huh huh (rr-rrah)
There you go, ha ha ha!
Ah girl (ah boys, say what?)
To rock your world (ooh ah, ooh ah)
Pick it up, bring it up get down, (ooh ah, ooh ah)
Ha ha, ha, hoo ha, hoo ha
Rr-rrah
They definitely got to groove now
Aight, baby, I like to move it, mama, aha ha (woo wee)
Say, say, say, ha ha
Say the bass was in your face
The high's make you, made you rock
'Ello, m'love, can I have this dance y'know?
Aha ha ha, ha ha, ha ha ha (I don't know about that)
We got the groove to make you move
Oh, me like it so, me like it so
Sugarhill, Sugarhill!
And you know that!

Everywhere
Shake it up, shake it up

Overall Meaning

The song "8th Wonder" is a classic hip-hop tune by The Sugarhill Gang released in 1981. The song features the group rapping and urging the crowd to clap their hands and dance. The lyrics contain various references to dancing and partying. The first verse is an invitation to everyone in the crowd to clap their hands, fly girls, and fly guys alike. The song includes a rap about the Sugarhill Gang's ability to rap and get the crowd moving. They also reference hitting on girls but ultimately make it clear that their main focus is making money. The chorus recounts the story of how the Sugarhill Gang gained fame and success by putting their unique spin on music and revolutionizing the then-new genre of rap.

The first verse sets the stage for the upbeat, celebratory tune that is "8th Wonder," as The Sugarhill Gang encourages every member of the crowd to clap their hands, regardless of gender or social status. The following verses continue to encourage the crowd while rapping about the group's ability to make people dance and party. References to hitting on girls are included but their focus on making money ultimately overshadows this theme. The chorus tells the story of the Sugarhill Gang's rise to fame and highlights their unique take on music that secured their success.

Line by Line Meaning

Clap your hands everybody
Everyone in the crowd, show your enthusiasm and support by applauding

And everybody just clap your hands
Every single person, join in and show your appreciation by clapping

Fly girls, clap your hands
Women in the audience, show your excitement by clapping

Fly guys, clap your hands
Men in the audience, also demonstrate your excitement by clapping

Well, if you're feeling alright and you think you're on
If you're in a good mood and confident about yourself

Somebody let me know
Inform me if you're in a positive state of mind

Will everybody in the place, put a whistle in your face
I want everyone at the event to blow a whistle in a joyful manner

Scream it out and say yo, hit it!
Shout out loudly with enthusiasm, encouraging the DJ to start the music

You don't stop
Keep the rhythm going, don't pause

A-rock the rhythm that makes your finger pop
Play the music that has a catchy beat, making people tap their fingers

I said, 'Ah, hip-hop, ah thanks a lot'
Expressing gratitude for the hip-hop genre that brings joy and entertainment

Ah, c'mon everybody gimme whatcha got
Come on, everyone, show me what you've got in terms of dancing or enjoying the music

I'm gonna tell you a little story about the Sugarhill gang
I want to share a brief narrative about the talented group known as the Sugarhill Gang

With the pow pow boogie and a big bang bang
They bring the energetic boogie and a powerful impact

And if you want to rap to the Sugarhill to the beat
If you want to sing along with the Sugarhill Gang's music and match their rhythm

Gotta rap in the key of r-a-p
You need to perform your rap verses in a way that fits the hip-hop genre

Now that is over I'm ready to jam
Now that the introduction is done, I'm prepared to perform and enjoy the music

Want all you people, to clap your hands
I want everyone present to participate and clap along

Tonight we're gonna, scream and shout
This evening, we're going to express our excitement and enthusiasm loudly

We're gonna turn this mothasucka out
We're going to make this event incredibly lively and enjoyable

To all of you people that are ready to jam
Addressing the individuals who are eager and prepared for a great music experience

Scream it out and say, I am! (I am)
Shout out with conviction, expressing self-identification and eagerness

Somebody! (somebody), now you know you're hot
Anybody feeling the groove and energy, recognize your own confidence and appeal

See, I met this girl and I said to her, 'Honey
Let me share an encounter I had with a girl and the conversation I had with her, my dear'

If you want to be my baby you gotta gimme money!'
If you desire to be in a romantic relationship with me, you have to provide financial support

Turned around, didn't mean no harm
She responded unexpectedly, without any malicious intentions

I knocked her out, with my vicious charm
I impressed and captivated her with my irresistible charisma

I said, 'No no, baby, it's not like that
I reassured her, 'No, no, darling, my intentions are not what you perceive'

Ya see I'm all about makin' that cold, cold cash'
You see, I prioritize making a significant amount of money

Started jivin' around, started messin' wit her head
I playfully teased and toyed with her thoughts and emotions

And next thing I know, she wanted to go to
Before I knew it, she expressed her desire to leave

But to turn me on, you got to be the best
However, to captivate my interest and attract me, you have to excel

'Cause I'm the Master G, I don't take no mess
Because I am the Master G, I do not tolerate any nonsense

Like T-N-T, I'm dynamite
Similar to dynamite, I possess explosive energy and excitement

Ya see I rock your body to the early light
I take control of your body, creating a thrilling experience until dawn

And when you wake up in the morning you'll see I'm gone
When you wake up in the morning, you'll realize I have left

And check it out, girl, you're all alone
Furthermore, girl, you'll find yourself without any company

'Cause you just been hit by the Capricorn king
Because you have encountered the talented and influential Capricorn king

I rocked you gentle, I rocked you, me
I serenaded and entertained you gently with my performance

I rocked you in and I rocked you out
I provided you with an incredible experience from beginning to end

You made me scream but I made you shout
You elicited excitement from me, but I reciprocated by causing you to express your enthusiasm loudly

Go dang diddy dang di-dang di-dang diggy diggy
Proceed with a catchy and vibrant beat

Dang diddy dang di-dang di-dang diggy diggy
Continue with the lively flow filled with energy

See it's up my back, it's around my neck
The rhythm and joy resonate throughout my body, uplifting me

Woo ha, got them all in check
The music's effect is so captivating that it has everyone under its control

Let's scream, and let's shout
Let's collectively express our excitement and enthusiasm vocally

And let's turn this function out
And let's make this event incredibly lively and enjoyable

And keep, keep it on, but you don't rush
Maintain the groove and momentum, but don't be hasty

Let's make this party the real cold crush
Let's elevate this gathering to an unforgettable and extraordinary level

Let's scream, and let's shout
Let's passionately vocalize our excitement and joy

Let's turn this function out
Let's make this event incredibly vibrant and lively

And keep keep it on, but you don't quit
And continue maintaining the energy and tempo without stopping

Let's make the party the sure
Let's guarantee that this party will be absolutely amazing

Once upon a time not long ago
In the past, not too far in time

Everybody had on their radio
Everyone tuned in to their radios to enjoy music

And then the fella came on with a groovy noise
Then a man appeared, bringing a captivating and enjoyable sound

To put the wiggle in the women and girls and boys
To make the ladies, girls, and boys dance and move joyfully

The word got around about three cool cats
People started talking about the three hip and stylish individuals

Who put the foot, back, in the pack
They brought back enthusiasm and excitement to the music community

And let me tell you party people just who we be
Let me introduce and inform all the partygoers who we are

With the help of Big Bank and the Master G
Assisted by the talented individuals Big Bank and the Master G

So get up, throwdown
Everyone, rise from your seats and start dancing energetically

We're funkward bound
We're heading towards a funky and exciting direction

Hey, the Sugarhill gang is in your town
The Sugarhill Gang has arrived in your city and is ready to entertain

Now, baby doll and all you daddy-o's
Addressing the women and stylish men in the crowd

You better get ready to move your toes
You should prepare yourself to dance and step to the rhythm

Shake it, but don't break it
Move and dance energetically, but be careful not to injure yourself

'Cause I know we can make make it
Because I am confident we can bring excitement and enjoyment to the event

And if you're ready to party and you're dressed to kill
If you're prepared to celebrate and you're stylishly well-dressed

Somebody say, 'Sugarhill' (Sugarhill)
Somebody shout out the name 'Sugarhill' to acknowledge our presence

Ah ah, and let your worries take a chill pill
Relax and let go of your concerns, allow them to fade away

You go ah ah, ah ah, ah ahh oh ooh
You express yourself with joyful sounds and excitement

Chicka pow
A sound effect to add emphasis and impact

Ha ha ha, ha ha, hoo hoo
Laughter and joyful noise to enhance the fun atmosphere

(Hey could somebody turn their butt)
(Hey, can someone please turn up the music volume)

Shake your body down, chicka pow
Dance and move your body energetically, emphasizing the rhythmic impact

A get, a get, a get ready
Prepare yourself, get ready for the exciting experience

What you see is what you get
What you witness and experience is exactly as it appears

And you ain't seen nothin' yet
And you haven't witnessed anything extraordinary yet

I don't think I'm bad, don't box in no karate
I don't consider myself intimidating, and I don't engage in any martial arts

Just an mc to put the boogie in your body
I'm simply a skilled MC who brings the joy and excitement of music to your body

Go back and forth then forth and back
Move rhythmically and energetically in different directions

We're the Sugarhill gang we take no slack
As the Sugarhill Gang, we don't tolerate any laziness or lack of effort

Don't wear diamond rings or drive big cars
We don't focus on material possessions like expensive jewelry or luxury vehicles

But the people just treat us like movie stars
However, people treat us with high admiration and regard, like famous actors in movies

We go dang diddy dang di-dang di-dang diggy diggy
We deliver a lively and dynamic performance with a catchy, upbeat rhythm

Dang diddy dang di-dang di-dang diggy diggy
We continue the energetic flow and rhythm that captivates the audience

Dang diddy dang di-dang di-dang diggy diggy
We maintain the lively and vibrant style that keeps everyone engaged and entertained

Dang diddy dang di-dang di-dang diggy diggy
We persist with the catchy and lively flow that compels people to move and enjoy

It's up my back, it's around my neck
The rhythm and excitement are coursing through my body, enveloping me

Woo ha, Got them all in check
Wow, the music has everyone captivated and under its control

Let's scream, let's shout
Let's collectively express our excitement and enthusiasm vocally

Let's turn this function out
Together, let's make this event incredibly lively and enjoyable

And keep keep it on, but you don't rush
And maintain the energetic flow, but don't be hasty or impatient

Let's make this party the real cold crush
Let's elevate this gathering to the highest level of excitement and enjoyment

Let's scream, let's shout
Let's passionately vocalize our excitement and joy

Let's turn this function out
Let's make this event incredibly vibrant and lively

And keep, keep it on, but you don't quit
And continue maintaining the energy and tempo without stopping

Let's make this party the sure
Let's guarantee that this party will be absolutely amazing

Well I'm the Master G, and I'm the best
I am the talented Master G, and I am highly skilled

All the ladies say my voice is rated x
The female audience appreciates the seductive quality of my voice

I'm a touch of lightning, a taste of fire
I bring an electrifying energy and passionate intensity

Well, I'm the Master G, and I'm your desire
I am the desired performer, fulfilling your entertainment wishes

Young ladies, I said I rock the nation
Ladies, I declare that I captivate and thrill audiences nationwide

'Cause I got my own, transportation
Because I possess my own means of getting around

I can rock just about, any age
I can entertain people of various age groups successfully

So let your fingers do the walkin' through the yellow page
Use the phone directory to find and contact me for your entertainment needs