In commemoration of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, numerous legendary names in the genre, including Queen Latifah, Chuck D, Method Man, and E-40, were interviewed to recount their initial encounter with rap music and how that moment reverberated within them.
The Associated Press sought to tap into the memories of these influential artists, prompting them to recall the first rap song they ever heard. Surprisingly, a significant number of the participants cited The Sugarhill Gang’s iconic hit, “Rapper’s Delight,” as their introduction to the genre that would later shape their careers.
However, it became evident that not all of these artists were instantaneously captivated by this pioneering track, suggesting that the early years of rap were characterized by a profound sense of exploration and the thrilling allure of uncharted musical territory.
The origins of hip-hop are traditionally traced back to 1973 in the Bronx, and it wasn’t until a few years later that rap records began to emerge. Accordingly, “Rapper’s Delight” played a pivotal role in broadening the reach of rap music and introducing it to an increasingly diverse and expansive audience. This milestone track acted as a catalyst, sparking an unstoppable movement that would transform the musical landscape forever.
CHUCK D
In the fall of 1979, Chuck D, a sophomore at Adelphi University, found himself on the cusp of a momentous opportunity. Filled with anticipation, he eagerly prepared to take the stage and captivate the audience with his performance. The pulsating beat of Chic’s iconic hit, “Good Times,” reverberated through his mind as he envisioned the crowd’s energy and the electrifying atmosphere that awaited him.
However, fate had a different plan in store for Chuck D, as unforeseen circumstances unfolded, altering the course of his evening. Little did he know, this unexpected turn of events would serve as a pivotal moment in his life, shaping his future and propelling him towards an extraordinary path.
When Chuck D positioned himself behind the microphone, he was met with a distinct variant of the song that persisted, playing continuously for a staggering duration of fifteen minutes.
Astonished, Chuck D recounted the experience: “As I take to the mic to electrify the crowd, an unforeseen phenomenon occurs. I hear the words emanating from behind me, as I effortlessly deliver my performance.
I continue to move my lips, but the words persist, relentlessly cascading through the airwaves for what feels like a never-ending span of twenty minutes,” explained Chuck D, esteemed member of the renowned rap ensemble Public Enemy, renowned for crafting “Fight the Power,” a quintessential emblem of the genre.
Once the marathon recitation finally reached its conclusion, Chuck D was showered with accolades and commendation, his peers offering him congratulatory fist bumps, alluding to the fact that he had rapped extensively until the early hours.
Reflecting on those times, Chuck D reminisced, “During those days, it was all about the length of your rap. Approaching the DJ booth, I glanced at the phonographic disc adorned with a conspicuous red label, a disc that read ‘Sugarhill Gang, ‘Rapper’s Delight.'” It was at that moment that the realization struck him like lightning. “Ah, at last, they have accomplished it,” he thought to himself.
Throughout the summer, rumors had circulated, heralding the imminent birth of rap records. Yet, Chuck D, along with the rest of society, had been incredulous. How could a rap be successfully transposed onto a vinyl disc? The notion was inconceivable, beyond the realm of comprehension. Nevertheless, it transpired, and it transpired explosively, altering the course of music history in one fell swoop.
QUEEN LATIFAH
Queen Latifah, a renowned Oscar-nominated actor, holds a special place for the song “Rapper’s Delight” in her heart, as it was the first rap song she and many others heard and memorized during her upbringing in Newark, New Jersey. However, it was Afrika Bambaattaa and the Soul Sonic Force’s 1982 hit, “Planet Rock,” that truly left an indelible mark on her world as a child.
Despite her current role as a crime-fighting protagonist on CBS’ “The Equalizer,” it is often overlooked that Queen Latifah has deep roots as a rapper, with chart-topping hits such as “U.N.I.T.Y.” and “Just Another Day.” Reflecting on the impact of “Planet Rock,” she emphasized its transformative effect on the sound of hip-hop music, with its distinctive synthesis of elements such as 808s and hi-hats.
This departure from the live music and break records that characterized early hip-hop was a significant shift, as exemplified by the iconic beat of “Rapper’s Delight” derived from “Good Times.” Notably, some early hip-hop records even utilized disco records, with live bands playing the music while artists rhymed over them.
Queen Latifah’s recollection highlights the evolution of hip-hop and its diverse influences, showcasing her deep understanding and appreciation for the genre’s rich history.
E-40
In the year 1979, a young E-40, while on his way to school as a seventh-grade student, stumbled upon a revolutionary rap tune on a local radio station in Northern California.
This particular station typically played R&B and soul music, but on this fateful day, a song called “Rapper’s Delight” caught his attention. This track, which cleverly sampled Chic’s popular hit “Good Times,” captivated E-40’s senses and ignited an unwavering passion within him for hip-hop.
As he reminisces about that precise moment, envisioning himself driving to Franklin Middle School in Vallejo, California, he recalls being captivated by the rawness and authenticity of the genre. It was at this juncture that E-40 knew deep in his heart that hip-hop would forever be an integral part of his life. Mesmerized by the infectious beats and catchy lyrics of “Rapper’s Delight,” he admitted, “I was like ‘Ohh, this is hard. I’m hooked.'” E-40 and his fellow rapper B-Legit even adopted the same fashion style, donning fedora hats and oversized gold rope chains, reminiscent of the iconic wardrobe worn by Run-D.M.C. These were the early days, the formative years of E-40’s artistic journey, when the spark of ambition was ignited. In 1979, upon hearing The Sugarhill Gang, E-40’s lifelong dream of becoming a rapper was firmly established.
He would often experiment, play around, and immerse himself in the vibrant hip-hop culture of the time. Alongside his friends, he aspired to emulate the New York rap scene, yearning to be a part of the hip-hop movement. From breakdancing to aspiring to be a rapper, E-40 and his peers embraced every aspect of this burgeoning subculture, shaping their respective destinies and forever etching themselves into the annals of hip-hop history.
LIL JON
During his formative years in Atlanta, Lil Jon’s introduction to hip-hop was marked by the iconic track “Rapper’s Delight.” However, it was his attendance at a live performance by rap groups such as the Fat Boys and Whodini that truly ignited his passion for the genre.
As a middle schooler, Lil Jon found himself mesmerized by the sight of professional rappers gracing the stage, an experience that surpassed anything he had previously encountered. Prior to this, his exposure to rap had been limited to magazines, but witnessing the energy and artistry of these performers transformed him into an ardent devotee of hip-hop.
Fueling his newfound obsession, Lil Jon eagerly purchased his first hip-hop record, Run D.M.C.’s “Sucker M.C.’s (Krush-Groove 1).” Recalling the excitement of that moment, he vividly remembers traversing through woods to a friend’s house, where they eagerly played the album. The lyrics and beats captivated them, inciting an ecstatic response that exemplified the profound impact of hip-hop on Lil Jon’s life.
ROXANNE SHANTE
Roxanne Shante, currently a host for SiriusXM’s Rock the Bells Radio, reminisces on her initial exposure to the world of hip-hop. Contrary to what one might expect, her introduction did not come in the form of a rap song. Rather, it was through the inspiring presence of the late comedian-poet, Nipsey Russell.
Shante was astounded by Russell’s remarkable ability to effortlessly rhyme on demand. It was at the young age of 14 that Shante burst onto the scene as one of the first female rappers to achieve widespread popularity with her iconic track, “Roxanne’s Revenge.” This landmark achievement catapulted her further into fame as a member of the esteemed Juice Crew, solidifying her position within the hip-hop community.
Additionally, Shante actively participated in the Roxanne Wars, a pivotal series of rap rivalries that captivated the mid-1980s hip-hop scene. While the mainstream success of “Rapper’s Delight” played a significant role in shaping public perception of hip-hop and was often heard at social gatherings, Shante acknowledges that it was Russell who left an indelible mark on her own artistic journey.
His captivating style of cadence and his astounding ability to effortlessly conjure intricate rhymes fascinated her immensely. Russell’s ability to engage in freestyle rap continuously served as a source of inspiration for Shante, as she honed her own skills in the genre. Even to this day, she embraces her improvisational prowess, perpetually enamored with the art of freestyling.
TOO SHORT
It was the year 1979, a time when the young Too Short found himself immersed in the world of music. At the tender age of 13, he was captivated by a plethora of funk tunes, ranging from the timeless hits like the Ohio Players’ “Love Rollercoaster” to the infectious rhythm of Funkadelic’s “Knee Deep.” However, fate had a different plan in store for him.
One fateful day, when he happened to be at his father’s house, the booming sound of “Rapper’s Delight” filled the room, catching his attention and refusing to let go. The song, lasting a staggering 15 minutes, left an indelible mark on the young boy, igniting a newfound interest in beatboxing.
This newfound passion prompted him to visit the local record store, where he would eagerly purchase the latest hip-hop albums, only to come back and blast them on his radio for all of Oakland to hear. To fully capture the essence of these tracks, Too Short deemed it essential to invest in a radio complete with two speakers, an absolute requirement for his musical endeavors.
He unabashedly took on the role of the guy with the radio, hitting play, and confidently proclaiming, “You ain’t never heard that before.” With his infectious enthusiasm, he managed to captivate the entire room or even an entire bus, as people enthusiastically jumped to the beats emanating from his radio. Indeed, those were the formative years for Too Short, the beginning of a remarkable journey that would take him far beyond his wildest dreams.
DJ Kid Capri,widely recognized as one of the most prominent DJs in hip-hop during the 1990s, was deeply entrenched in the world of soul music from an early age.
Growing up in a musically inclined family, his father was a soul singer, his grandfather played the trumpet, and his uncle happened to be Bill Curtis, the leader of the renowned Fatback Band. In fact, Capri attributes the Fatback Band with producing the first-ever hip-hop single, “King Tim III (Personality Jock),” a few months prior to the release of the popular “Rapper’s Delight” in 1979.
Capri vividly recalls the moment his uncle exposed him to his first rap song, a transformative experience that had a lasting impact on him. Immersed in the world of the Fatback Band, an amalgamation of funk and disco that had carved a niche for themselves with R&B hits like “(Do the) Spanish Hustle,” “I Like Girls,” and “I Found Lovin’,” it was “King Tim III” that resonated profoundly with him, primarily because it originated from within his own family.
While history credits “Rapper’s Delight” as the groundbreaking rap record, Capri proudly asserts that it was “Personality Jock” that truly paved the way. “My uncle, he’s my family. He’s the one that did it. So, I’ve always been around it,” reflects Capri. Drenched in this rich lineage, he embodies all the elements that make him so infectiously captivating on stage today.
From the very beginnings of hip-hop to his current stature, he has imbibed all the values and lessons learned along the way, contributing to his electrifying performances.
Moving on to Method Man, a highly regarded figure in the hip-hop industry, it may come as a surprise that the first rap song he ever heard was not “Rapper’s Delight,” but rather Run-D.M.C.’s “Sucker MCs (Krush-Groove 1)” released in 1983.
Method Man, known for his portrayal in “Power Book II: Ghost,” admits that at the time, he considered himself up to date with all things hip-hop, yet this particular track had eluded him until then. This influential single served as a gateway for the emergence of a new wave of hip-hop artists, leaving an indelible mark on Method Man’s musical journey.
He vividly recalls a sixth-grade class trip to Long Island where the whole group sang the song over and over again, becoming an anthem of sorts during their excursion.
Similarly, Big Daddy Kane, a legendary rapper, may not have remembered all his homework assignments at the age of 12, but he certainly knew every line from Jimmy Spicer’s 1980 song “Adventures of Super Rhymes,” one of the earliest studio-recorded hip-hop tracks.
Though he had previously heard “Rapper’s Delight,” it was Spicer’s storytelling prowess on the 15-minute epic that resonated deeply within him. Delighted by Spicer’s slick narrative style as he cleverly weaved tales of Dracula and Aladdin, Kane found solace in the captivating storytelling aspect of the song.
DJ Jazzy Jeff, best known for his collaboration with the “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” star, Will Smith, regarded music with great affection. However, it was the moment he first heard “Rapper’s Delight” that he felt an inexplicable connection, as if the song specifically spoke to him like no other before.
Jazzy Jeff, who had admired music through the lens of his older siblings, finally felt a sense of ownership and belonging with this particular track, cherishing it as a personal expression of music created just for him.
Lastly, Jermaine Dupri, a celebrated rap mogul in his own right, attributes his remarkable success to his early exposure to “Rapper’s Delight” at the tender age of 10. Inducted into the esteemed Songwriters Hall of Fame, Dupri fondly remembers how he passionately memorized the lyrics of the song, little suspecting that it would lead him on a journey of immense accomplishments and acclaim. This iconic track served as the catalyst that propelled Dupri into his illustrious career.
In sum, these influential figures in the world of hip-hop each had their own unique experiences with notable rap songs that shaped their musical trajectories. From the family ties to the stories told and the personal connections forged, these individuals exemplify the profound impact that music can have on one’s life, forever inspiring and propelling them forward into extraordinary careers.