In showing our respect to those that have helped hip hop reach the heights that it has, there is probably nobody that is more deserving of this than Sylvia Robinson. She was the one that brought hip hop to the mainstream. A friendly rap battle between three strangers in New Jersey, in the back of her son's Oldsmobile, led Sylvia to put all three together and form the Sugar Hill Gang (and sign them to Sugar Hill Records). This led to the single that we all know and love (at least most people) "Rapper's Delight," which reached #4 on the R&B charts in 1979. This was the first hip hop song to reach the pop charts and introduce the world to a new genre (and eventually lifestyle).

However, Sylvia's contribution doesn't end there. She is also the mastermind behind what most consider hip hop's first representation as a socially/politically conscious movement, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five's "The Message." Although the song was eventually performed by Melle Mel, the group was hesitant to record the song. The track went unused for over a year until Duke Bootee, the producer of the song decided to write some lyrics for it. It took several times for Sylvia to persuade Melle Mel to take a chance on the song. After hearing it, he excitedly wrote another verse for the song and then recorded it. Once it was released, it was accepted by hip hop fans everywhere and is noted as one of the most important songs in hip hop history.

Sylvia is the one that is behind two of the most important songs in hip hop history and we can only imagine what wouldn't have happened had these songs not been released. We will always be able to see the footprints she left on hip hop and her impact will always be felt. So to Sylvia Robinson we say, "Respect Due."

Any thoughts on Sylvia and her contribution? Leave your comments or feel free to e-mail at straightouttahiphop@gmail.com.


Peace.