ABSTRACT
The label responsible for bringing rap into the American cultural mainstream, Sugar Hill remained a dominant commercial force well into the 1980s. Prior to the release of “Rapper’s Delight” (Sugar Hill; 1979; #4 R&B, #36 pop), recorded by a group of studio rappers named the Sugarhill Gang, rap was disseminated largely on cassettes. As a result of Sugar Hill’s success, hip-hop made the transition from New York City street dances to radio airwaves and dance clubs across the nation.
