The Sugarhill Gang is an American hip hop and Fu… Read Full Bio ↴The Sugarhill Gang:
The Sugarhill Gang is an American hip hop and Funk group, known mostly for their biggest hit, "Rapper's Delight", the first hip hop single to become a Top 40 hit. The track uses the bass line from "Good Times" by Chic as its foundation. The members, all from New York City, called themselves Wonder Mike, Big Bank Hank, and Master Gee. They were assembled into a group by producer Sylvia Robinson who also founded Sugar Hill Records along with her husband record mogul Joe Robinson.
This pioneering group inaugurated the history of recorded hip-hop with their single "Rapper's Delight", a multi-platinum seller and radio hit in 1979. The group was created to profit on a supposed novelty item. New Jersey-based producer and indie label owner Sylvia Robinson had become aware of the massive hip-hop block parties occurring around the New York City area during the late '70s, so she gathered three locals form her town of Englewood, NJ: Guy O'Brien, who was the original Master Gee; another local rapper, Michael Wright, who called himself Wonder Mike, and non-rapper Big Bank Hank. The vocalists were then teamed up with three session musicians, including future Living Color bassist Doug Wimbish. Together, they recorded all the Sugarhill Gang’s work.
"Rapper's Delight" borrowed the main bassline from Chic's "Good Times" and became a worldwide hit, reportedly selling more than eight million copies. For some time, the trio developed a poor reputation within certain social circles: The fact that they were essentially amateurs assembled by Sugar Hill Records upset many hip-hop pioneers who had been paying dues in the street party circuit. According to many, Big Bank Hank’s entire verse on “Delight” was “borrowed” from a notebook of rhymes written by Grandmaster Caz, a local rapper with the Cold Crush Brothers, for whom Hank was the manager. Allegedly, this was done on the promise that he’d help Cold Crush get a record deal. It never happened, and the Cold Crush Brothers were relegated to being a cult phenomenon. Also, Chic’s Nile Rodgers filed a lawsuit for copyright infringement over “Delight” (the first such of legal battles for rap, with many to come); it was settled out of court, leaving Rodgers with a large cut of all future royalties. Despite the embarrassment, the group endured.
Grandmaster Flash:
Joseph Saddler (born January 1, 1958 in Bridgetown, Barbados), better known as Grandmaster Flash, is a hip hop musician and DJ; one of the pioneers of hip-hop DJing, cutting, and mixing. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, becoming the first hip hop artists so honored.[1]
Flash played illegal parties and also worked with rappers such as Kurtis Blow and Lovebug Starski. He formed his own group in the late 1970s, after promptings from Ray Chandler. The initial members were Cowboy (Keith Wiggins), Melle Mel (Melvin Glover) and Kid(d) Creole (Nathaniel Glover) making Grandmaster Flash & the 3 MCs (with Melle Mel being the first rapper ever to call himself an "MC"). Two other rappers briefly joined, but they were replaced more permanently by Rahiem (Guy Todd Williams, previously in the Funky Four) and Scorpio (Eddie Morris, also used the name Mr. Ness) to create Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Soon gaining recognition for their skillful raps, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five pioneered MCing, freestyle battles, and invented some of the staple phrases in MCing. The group performed at Disco Fever in the Bronx beginning in 1978. Cowboy created the term "Hip Hop" while teasing a friend who had just joined the US Army, by scat singing the words "hip/hop/hip/hop" in a way that mimicked the rhythmic cadence of marching soldiers.[citation needed]
Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five were signed to Bobby Robinson's Enjoy Records and in 1979 released the classic "Superrappin'". They later signed to Sugar Hill Records and released numerous singles, gaining a gold disc for "Freedom," and also toured. The classic "The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheels of Steel," released in 1981 was the best display of Flash's skills (combining elements of Blondie's "Rapture," Michael Viner's Incredible Bongo Band's "Apache," Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust" and Chic's "Good Times." It also marked the first time that record scratching had been actually recorded on a record. The group's most significant hit was "The Message" (1982), which was produced by in-house Sugar Hill producer Clifton "Jiggs" Chase and featured session musician Duke Bootee. Other than Melle Mel, no members of the group actually appear on the record. It went platinum in less than a month. In 1983, Flash appeared in the movie "Wild Style" and sued Sugar Hill over the non-payment of royalties. The group split between Flash and Mel before disintegrating entirely. Flash, Kid Creole and Rahiem signed to Elektra Records and continued on as simply "Grandmaster Flash" while Mel and the others continued on as "Grandmaster Melle Mel & the Furious Five."[3] In 1984, Mel released a 12" single, "White Lines," which stole without crediting the bassline to Liquid Liquid's "Cavern" and went on to become one of his signature songs. Although frequently credited on the records, Flash doesn't actually appear on "The Message", "White Lines", or many of the other Furious Five songs (if you don't hear scratching on a track, then Flash isn't on it).[citation needed] Mel notably appeared on Chaka Khan's I Feel for You (winning the first of his three Grammy awards) and both in the movie and on the soundtrack of the film "Beat Street". Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five reformed in 1987 for a charity concert, and in 1988 to release an album that did poorly. Melle Mel closed out the decade by winning two more Grammy awards for his work with Quincy Jones. There was another reunion, of a kind, in 1994, although Cowboy died in 1989.
Grandmaster Flash has a clothing line, "G.Phyre", and has signed a deal with Doubleday who will publish his memoirs. He hosts a show on Sirius Satellite Radio & he recently won the BET I Am A Hip Hop Icon award.
Melle Mel (now known as Mele Mel) has a clothing line with Sedgwick & Cedar. He released the childrens book/cd/dvd "Portal In The Park" in November 2006 and he released his first ever solo album "Muscles" on January 30, 2007. The first single & music video is "M3 (The New Message)", released on the 25th anniversary of "The Message".
Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five was the first hip-hop/rap group ever inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on March 12, 2007 by Jay-Z.
Apache
The Sugarhill Gang vs. Grandmaster Flash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Tonto, jump on it, jump on it, jump on it
Kemosabe, jump on it, jump on it, jump on it
Custer, jump on it, jump on it, jump on it
Apache, jump on it, jump on it, woo!
A-hunga-hunga-a-hunga-hunga
I got a lot of raps but I'll be brief
I never need a horse, I like to chill
So I drive up in my new Seville
My tribe went down in the hall of fame
'Cause I'm the one who shot Jesse James
Pound for pound, I will never break down
(Big Bank) no sir, I don't mess around
Woo!
Ho!
Woo!
Tonto, jump on it, jump on it, jump on it
Kemosabe, jump on it, jump on it, jump on it
Custer, jump on it, jump on it, jump on it
Apache, jump on it, jump on it, woo!
A-hunga-hunga-a-hunga-hunga
Like Kemosabe, of course it's me
I'm better known as the Master G
A fine little squaw, sense the danger
When they're stung by the rapping ranger
Had a little talk with my medicine man
He said, "get them squaws, fast as you can"
To all you girls, that want to join my tribe
Just move to my rhythm and feel my vibe
Put up a fuss, in the end you'll agree
When you come inside my teepee
As I said before, you could sense the danger
When you're stung by the rapping ranger
When Silver and I take a route
All you suckers better step aside
I sting squaws, then I run away
Hi-o Silver, is what I say
Ho, ho!
Woo!
Hit it gang!
Ho! Ho! Ho!
Tonto, jump on it, jump on it, jump on it
Kemosabe, jump on it, jump on it, jump on it
Custer, jump on it, jump on it, jump on it
Apache, jump on it, jump on it, woo!
A-hunga-hunga-a-hunga-hunga
A pow-wow, just rock it out
Finger-poppin' to the break of dawn
Keep it rockin' like the stuff that we call maize
(What's that?) hot buttered popcorn
You just hippa-hoppa-dippa-boppa bang the boogie
Woogie, betcha want to boogie again
And you can put me to the test at your request
I rock you out of your moccasin
Kemosabe got down, took off his mask
He kicked off his shoes and did the Monster Mash
Tommy came along, saw what was happenin'
His head began to bop and his foot start to clappin'
Go slam, dunk, do the jerk
And with the mic is how my smoke signals work
They were jammin' off a record that said it best
"Now what you hear is not a test!"
Woo!
A-hunga-hunga-a-hunga-hunga
A-hunga-hunga-a-hunga-hunga
Tonto, jump on it, jump on it, jump on it
Kemosabe, jump on it, jump on it, jump on it
Custer, jump on it, jump on it, jump on it
Apache, jump on it, jump on it, woo!
The song "Apache" by The Sugarhill Gang and Grandmaster Flash is a classic hip-hop track that mixes a sample of a 1960s instrumental tune called "Apache" with original rap verses. The chorus "Tonto, jump on it" refers to a Native American character from the Lone Ranger TV show who was the sidekick of the masked cowboy hero. "Kemosabe" was the Lone Ranger's nickname for Tonto, and it means "faithful friend" in Potawatomi.
The first verse is rapped by Big Bank Hank, also known as Imp the Dimp. He presents himself as the chief of his tribe and brags about his skills as a rapper and a shooter. He also mentions that he prefers cars over horses. The second verse is rapped by Grandmaster Flash, who calls himself Master G. He tells the story of a "rapping ranger" who conquers the hearts of Native American women with his rhymes and his rhythm. He also refers to his horse Silver and his sidekick Tommy, who joins the party and starts dancing.
Line by Line Meaning
Tonto, jump on it, jump on it, jump on it
Tonto, hurry up and join me in dancing to the beat
Kemosabe, jump on it, jump on it, jump on it
Hey mate, I expect you to keep up with my moves
Custer, jump on it, jump on it, jump on it
Even Custer should join us, this is a party for all
Apache, jump on it, jump on it, woo!
Native American tribe that inspired this song, show us your best moves
A-hunga-hunga-a-hunga-hunga
Exclamations of joy mixed with traditional Native American sounds
I'm Big Bank, I am the chief
Introducing myself as the main rapper in this song
I got a lot of raps but I'll be brief
I have many raps to share, but this is just a short part of my repertoire
I never need a horse, I like to chill
I'm so cool, I don't even need a horse to prove it
So I drive up in my new Seville
Instead I ride in luxury in my new Cadillac Seville
My tribe went down in the hall of fame
My tribe has achieved great things in the past
'Cause I'm the one who shot Jesse James
I'm such a big deal that I'm known for shooting notorious outlaws
Pound for pound, I will never break down
I am strong and will never give up, no matter what
(Big Bank) no sir, I don't mess around
I won't take any nonsense, I am serious about my craft
Like Kemosabe, of course it's me
I'm referring to myself in third person like Kemosabe did
I'm better known as the Master G
I go by the name of Master G for short
A fine little squaw, sense the danger
I see a beautiful woman and I'm attracted to her
When they're stung by the rapping ranger
My rhymes are so good, they have a powerful impact
Had a little talk with my medicine man
I consulted my spiritual leader for advice
He said, "get them squaws, fast as you can"
He encouraged me to pursue my romantic interests quickly
To all you girls, that want to join my tribe
Ladies who are interested in me can become part of my group
Just move to my rhythm and feel my vibe
All you have to do is dance with me and enjoy the music
Put up a fuss, in the end you'll agree
At first you might resist, but eventually you'll give in
When you come inside my teepee
If you join me in my tent, you'll experience my love
As I said before, you could sense the danger
Being with me is thrilling and a little bit dangerous
When you're stung by the rapping ranger
My rhymes can have a powerful effect on people
When Silver and I take a route
When I'm on my horse, Silver, and we're heading out
All you suckers better step aside
Move out of my way if you don't want trouble
I sting squaws, then I run away
I chase after ladies, but I don't stick around for long
Hi-o Silver, is what I say
A traditional catchphrase when riding a horse, like Silver
A pow-wow, just rock it out
Have a party, dance all night long
Finger-poppin' to the break of dawn
Snap your fingers and dance until morning
Keep it rockin' like the stuff that we call maize
Keep the music going strong, like the crop maize that is essential to many tribes
(What's that?) hot buttered popcorn
Referring to a popular soul track, and the enjoyment of the moment
You just hippa-hoppa-dippa-boppa bang the boogie
Dance freely and happily without a care
Woogie, betcha want to boogie again
This kind of dancing is so fun, you'll want to do it again and again
And you can put me to the test at your request
I challenge anyone who doubts my skills to try me out
I rock you out of your moccasin
My music is so good, you'll want to dance until your shoes come off
Kemosabe got down, took off his mask
Kemosabe let his hair down and revealed his true self
He kicked off his shoes and did the Monster Mash
Kemosabe danced freely and joyfully
Tommy came along, saw what was happenin'
Another character, Tommy, joined in the fun
His head began to bop and his foot start to clappin'
Tommy couldn't resist the infectious beat and started to move
Go slam, dunk, do the jerk
Different dance styles that can be done to this music
And with the mic is how my smoke signals work
I communicate my message through my music and lyrics
They were jammin' off a record that said it best
The group was inspired by a particular record and this is their tribute to it
"Now what you hear is not a test!"
This is the real deal, not just a rehearsal. Get ready to dance.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@michaelivorysr.9868
Straight originality and great creativity without the dirty language.. Pure and true...miss those early days of hip hop. These guys were the among the early pioneers in the foundation of hip hop. Much respect.
@joylannetter2451
I.was 21 when this hit the circuit. Forty years later it sounds equally as good and I'm jammin! 💃🏿🕺🏿
@djmegamase7590
I dang near lost my mind when this came out. A classic clean battle.
@clyde642006
This was pure Funk-R&B at its finest. I know rappers like 50 cent and the newer Brotha's like to boast about how they've revolutionized rap music, but these guys started it all and as far as I'm concerned they still run the tables. Why?? Because these guys were true artist- no bullshit, no egos, no "who's more talented," it was all about the music. That's what's gone today. It's not art anymore, it's just a whole bunch of friggin noise!!
@jasongoldman3850
Yes- it IS noise.
@michaelivorysr.9868
I totally agree.
@adg_87
@Jason Goldman what do YOU listen to? FOH.
@clyde642006
@Adg 87 I listen to MUSIC. And you??
@adg_87
@clyde642006 same fam. I listen to EVERYTHING thats good. Are you literally trying to classify this classic as noise?
@clyde642006
One of the best rap-battle cuts ever produced! I was in 10th grade when this came out and me and my homies used to crank this up on our ghetto-blaster! Some of the best years growing up.