1979 in hip-hop

This article summarizes the events, album releases, and album release dates in hip hop music for the year 1979.

On March 25, 1979, the Fatback Band released the single "King Tim III (Personality Jock)" which is often cited as the first recorded hip hop song.^[1] However, a song called "Enterprise" was released on July 7, 1978, as part of the record album from the Broadway musical play Runaways (Original Broadway Cast Recording).^[2][3] is also considered as the first recorded hip hop song. However, the exact origins of hip hop remain debated, with various recordings and performances from the 1970s contributing to its early development. Regardless of the specific milestone, these early releases laid the foundation for the vibrant and influential genre that hip hop would become.^[4]

On September 16, 1979, The Sugarhill Gang released the single Rapper's Delight, which became the first commercially successful hip-hop song. It was the first rap song to appear on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching number 37, and peaked at number 4 on the R&B charts.^[5] It is often mistaken as the first recorded hip hop song.^[1] The song was increasingly popular outside of the United States especially in the United Kingdom and Canada-it exceeded over $3.5 million in sales and over two million in copies within the first few weeks of its launching. In 2011, the song was preserved into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress stat, especially in the United Kingdom and Canada. It exceeded over $3.5 million in sales and over two million in copies within the first few weeks of its launching,^[6] the infectious dance number might have launched an entire genre.^[7] In 2014, "Rapper's Delight" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Over 14 million copies of "Rapper's Delight" have been sold since 1979.^[6]

Russell Simmons decided that he wanted to create a rap record with Kurtis Blow. He realized that the best way of earning money was by creating a Christmas record as it would be played every year. After playing the song for 22 labels, they finally got it released on Mercury Records.^[8] The record was eventually sold over 500,000 times.^[9] There were obstacles in their way as they tried to make "Christmas Rappin'" widely available. Even with the song's obvious popularity, record labels refused to support Simmons and Blow because they doubted rap music could succeed, particularly when it comes to Christmas music. They continued anyhow, playing the song for a number of labels before they eventually signed a record deal with Mercury Records.

Hip-hop history reached a major turning point with the publication of "Christmas Rappin'," which propelled the genre into the public eye over the Christmas season. Sales of more over 500,000 copies proved its success beyond all predictions, demonstrating its ongoing appeal and cultural influence. December is a time for celebration, and the combination of hip-hop and Christmas music adds a special touch to the Christmas season. "Christmas Rappin'" by Kurtis Blow, a groundbreaking song in the genre, is one noteworthy example. Not only was the creation of this timeless song a creative inspiration, but it was also a calculated move to capitalize on the popularity of holiday-themed music. Russell Simmons, a creative entrepreneur with a keen understanding of the music business, was the inspiration behind "Christmas Rappin'". Seeing Christmas rap albums as a rich man's opportunity, Simmons went to work with one of the leading names in the new hip-hop scene, Kurtis Blow. Together, they set out to produce a song that would serve as both an enduring and entertaining piece of music. As we reflect on the legacy of "Christmas Rappin'," we are reminded of the power of music to transcend boundaries and unite people in celebration. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, let us take a moment to appreciate the timeless classics that bring joy and cheer to our lives, including the iconic sounds of Kurtis Blow's "Christmas Rappin'."

Bramsam – Move Your Body ^[10]

Dr. Superman / Lady Sweet – Can You Do It (Superman) / Back to Metropolis ^[11]

David Lampell – I Ran Iran ^[12]

Eddie Cheba – Lookin' Good (Shake Your Body) ^[13]

Family – Family Rap ^[14]

First Class – Rappin' It Up ^[15]

Funky Constellation – Street Talk (Madam Rapper) ^[16]

Funky Four Plus One – Rappin' and Rocking the House ^[17]

Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five – SuperRappin' ^[18]

Jocko – Rhythm Talk ^[19]

Jocko – The Rocketship ^[20]

Jazzy 4 MC's – MC Rock ^[21]

Joe Bataan – Rap-O Clap-O / El Rap-O Clap-O ^[22]

Lady B – To The Beat Y'all ^[23]

Lady D / MC Tee – Lady D / Nu Sounds ^[24]

Little Starsky – Gangster Rock ^[25]

Mr. Q – D. J. Style ^[26]

Mr. Q – Ladies Delight ^[27]

Mr. Q – Love & Time / Rapping Time ^[28]

Mr. Q – Party Party / Party Rapp ^[29]

Neil B / Brooklyn Express – Body Rock ^[30]

The Sequence – Funk You Up ^[31]

Ron Hunt / Ronnie G. & The S.M. Crew – Spiderap / A Corona Jam ^[32]

Paulett and Tanya Winley / Ann Winley – Rhymin' and Rappin' / Watch Dog ^[33]

Scoopy – Scoopy Rap ^[34]

Sicle Cell & Rhapazooty – Rhapazooty in Blue ^[35]

Spoonie Gee – Spoonin Rap ^[36]

Steve Gordon & The Kosher Five – Take My Rap... Please ^[37]

T.J. Swan – And You Know That ^[38]

Troy Rainey – Tricky Tee Rap ^[39]

Uno – Boogie Beat ^[40]

Wackie's Disco Rock Band – Wack Rap ^[41]

Willie Wood & Willie Wood Crew – Willie Rap ^[42]

Mr. Magic – Rappin' With Mr. Magic

Xanadu & Sweet Lady – Rappers Delight / Rockers Choice ^[43]

Younger Generation (early name of Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five) – We Rap More Mellow ^[44]

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