#raphistory1983

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five were a groundbreaking American hip-hop group formed in the South Bronx, New York City, in 1976–1978. They are widely regarded as one of the most influential acts in hip-hop history—the first to bring innovative DJ techniques, multimember rapping crews, and socially conscious lyrics to the mainstream. In 2007, they became the first hip-hop group inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2021, they received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Members

Grandmaster Flash (Joseph Saddler, b. January 1, 1958) — The DJ innovator; pioneered turntablism (backspinning, cutting, scratching, quick mix theory), beat-matching, and effects like the "Wheels of Steel" routine.

Melle Mel (Melvin Glover) — Lead MC; delivered powerful, narrative rhymes, especially on conscious tracks.

Kidd Creole (Nathaniel Glover) — MC; added smooth, rhythmic flows.

Keef Cowboy (Keith Wiggins, d. September 8, 1989) — MC; known for early party-style rhymes; tragically passed from drug-related issues.

Mr. Ness / Scorpio (Eddie Morris) — MC; energetic performer.

Rahiem (Guy Todd Williams) — MC; rounded out the group's harmonies and stage presence.

Key Releases & Hits

They started on Sugar Hill Records, blending high-energy party rap with groundbreaking production:

Studio Albums:

The Message (1982) — Their masterpiece; shifted hip-hop from fun party jams to social commentary.

On the Strength (1988) — Later reunion effort.

Iconic Singles:

"The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheels of Steel" (1981) — A 7-minute DJ showcase; first major use of sampling/scratching on record—considered the blueprint for turntablism.

"The Message" (1982, feat. Melle Mel & Duke Bootee) — Arguably the most influential hip-hop song ever; raw depiction of urban poverty, crime, drugs, and despair ("It's like a jungle sometimes / It makes me wonder how I keep from goin' under"). Changed rap forever.

"White Lines (Don't Don't Do It)" (1983) — Anti-cocaine anthem; became a crossover hit.

"Freedom" (1980), "Birthday Party" (1981), "Superrappin'" — Early party bangers.

Their sound evolved from disco-influenced electro-rap to conscious protest rap, inspiring Public Enemy, KRS-One, and countless others.

Legacy & Current Status

The group disbanded in the mid-1980s due to internal tensions (Flash sued Sugar Hill for royalties, splitting the crew—Melle Mel continued with some members). A brief 1987 reunion produced On the Strength, but they disbanded permanently afterward. Today, the legacy lives on as Grandmaster's Furious Five with Melle Mel and Scorpio as remaining active members. Grandmaster Flash remains a DJ legend—hosting streams (like his GrandMix series), performing, and announcing a memoir Birth of a Culture set for fall 2026 via HarperCollins, chronicling hip-hop's birth.

Flash is still active in 2026: running livestreams, celebrating milestones (e.g., Grandmaster Flash Day events), and receiving honors like honorary doctorates. Their influence is massive—sampled everywhere, and "The Message" remains a cultural touchstone for addressing real issues in hip-hop.

If you're on this old-school hip-hop deep dive (Spoonie Gee, Jimmy Spicer, Fantasy Three, Whodini, Disco Four, etc.), Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five are the pinnacle—the DJ innovation + MC storytelling that defined the genre's early evolution. Start with "The Message" (official video still hits hard) or "Adventures on the Wheels of Steel" on YouTube/Spotify—pure Bronx history.

Jimmy Spicer (full name James Bromley Spicer, born May 12, 1958 – died September 27, 2019) was a pioneering old-school hip-hop rapper from Brooklyn, New York. He's best known as one of the earliest artists to release extended narrative rap records in the late 1970s and early 1980s, during hip-hop's formative recorded era.

His breakthrough came with the epic 1980 single "Adventures of Super Rhyme (Rap)" on Dazz Records—a 15+ minute storytelling track that outlasted even "Rapper's Delight" in length. It featured a funky, disco-rap style with Jimmy spinning wild tales (superheroes, outer space, everyday adventures) over groovy beats, making it a foundational piece for narrative rap. He claimed it influenced the scene heavily, and it's often cited as one of the first true "story rap" records.

Other key releases include:

"The Bubble Bunch" (1982, Mercury)

"Money (Dollar Bill Y'all)" (1983)

"This Is It / Beat the Clock" (1985, on Def Jam/Rush Productions—produced by Rick Rubin and managed by Russell Simmons)

His tracks have been sampled by heavyweights like Wu-Tang Clan, 2Pac, De La Soul, Busta Rhymes, and even Snoop Dogg. LL Cool J has credited Spicer with inspiring him to pursue rap.

Spicer was active in the parks and rec centers of NYC as hip-hop developed, started as a radio DJ at Medgar Evers College, and remained a respected figure in old-school circles. He passed away in 2019 after battling cancer.

Two Sisters were an early 1980s electro-hip-hop duo from New York (Harlem/South Bronx scene vibes), active around 1983–1984. They fit right into the old-school electro wave we've been exploring (like West Street Mob, Disco Four, and Man Parrish productions)—high-energy dance-floor tracks with synths, vocoders, funky beats, and light rap elements.

Members & Background

Theresa Pesco and Tracey Houghton (the actual "two sisters" who provided vocals and fronted the project).

The group was essentially a studio creation assembled by producers Raul A. Rodriguez and Man Parrish (the electro pioneer behind "Hip Hop, Be Bop"). The name "Two Sisters" was reportedly a nickname given to the production duo by someone at Sugarscoop Records—Man Parrish handled much of the music, and the female vocalists brought the personality and hooks.

Key Releases & Tracks

They released one self-titled album Two Sisters (1984, Sugarscoop Records) and several 12" singles/EPs. Their sound was classic electro: booming bass, drum machines, synth stabs, and party/breakdance themes—perfect for clubs, roller rinks, and early breakdance contests.

"B-Boys Beware" (1983, club mix) — Their biggest/most iconic track. Features guest rap from MC G.L.O.B.E. (from Afrika Bambaataa's Soul Sonic Force). Boastful, warning the b-boys with funky grooves and electro flair—pure 1983 energy.

"High Noon" (1983, including Disconet remix and Part 2) — Epic instrumental/electro jam with dramatic builds.

"Pop Lock This Rock (To the Top)" — Breakdance anthem on the High Noon EP.

"Destiny", "Scratch This", "Hot, Hot Sound" — Other cuts with that signature Sugarscoop electro sound.

No massive commercial crossover like Kurtis Blow or Whodini, but they're crate-digger favorites for collectors—vinyl 12"s go for decent money on Discogs/eBay, and tracks appear on old-school electro comps.

Legacy & Fit in Old-School Hip-Hop

Two Sisters represent the female-fronted side of early electro-rap—rare in the male-dominated scene at the time. They bridged disco holdovers with emerging hip-hop, emphasizing dance and fun over heavy lyrics (though "B-Boys Beware" has that competitive MC edge via G.L.O.B.E.). Man Parrish's production ties them directly to the electro pioneers (his "Hip Hop Be Bop" influence is all over their beats).

If you're building this old-school timeline (Pumpkin productions, Grandmaster Flash innovations, etc.), Two Sisters add the female electro duo angle—underrated but essential for understanding the diversity in 1983–84 Sugarscoop/Profile-era sounds.

Start with "B-Boys Beware" (Club Mix) or "High Noon (Disconet Remix)" on YouTube—those synths and grooves hit hard. Pure time capsule!

Pumpkin (real name Errol Eduardo Bedward, January 21, 1961 – August 24, 1990) was a legendary old-school hip-hop producer, percussionist, drummer, multi-instrumentalist, and band leader from the Bronx, New York. Often called the "King of the Beat" or the original architect behind many foundational hip-hop tracks, he was a behind-the-scenes powerhouse in the late 1970s to mid-1980s electro/party rap era.

Career & Contributions

Pumpkin started as a session drummer for Bobby Robinson's Enjoy Records around 1979, quickly becoming the in-house producer/arranger (often uncredited on early labels). He helped shape the raw, funky sound of early rap—drum-heavy beats, handclaps, synth bass, and disco influences—before moving to Profile Records (where he continued producing) and working with Tuff City under aliases like B. Eats, Bedward, Jack-O-Lantern, and Oliver Shalom.

He produced or played on dozens of classics for:

Spoonie Gee ("Love Rap")

Treacherous Three ("Body Rock," "Feel the Heart Beat," "At the Party")

Disco Four ("Move to the Groove," "Country Rock & Rap")

Funky Four Plus One More ("Rappin & Rockin The House")

Grandmaster Caz, Fearless Four, Dr. Jeckyll & Mr. Hyde, and more obscure acts.

His own releases include:

"King of the Beat" (1983, Profile) — His signature solo single, claiming the crown for beats.

"Here Comes the Beat" (1984, as Pumpkin and the Profile All-Stars) — One of his last major productions; high-energy group jam.

Pumpkin's drum work and arrangements gave that unmistakable early 80s groove—tight, live-feeling percussion over electro elements. He bridged the disco-rap transition and influenced the scene heavily (though often under-credited due to label practices).

Legacy

Tragically, Pumpkin passed away young in 1990 (cause not widely detailed in sources, but he was only 29). His work lives on in old-school compilations (e.g., The Tuff City Sessions retrospective in 1995), samples, and tributes from collectors/historians. He's remembered as one of the unsung heroes who gave the beats to the first wave of recorded hip-hop—essential if you're digging into the Enjoy/Profile era (like Disco Four, Spoonie Gee, Jimmy Spicer, etc.).

Check out "Here Comes the Beat" or "King of the Beat" on YouTube—pure 1983–84 energy with that classic Pumpkin drum snap. If you're building a timeline of old-school producers, he sits right alongside guys like Larry Smith or Jiggs as the backbone of those labels.

West Street Mob were an American boogie, electro, and early hip-hop/rap group** active from 1981 to 1984, signed to the legendary Sugar Hill Records (the same label as Grandmaster Flash, Sugarhill Gang, and many old-school pioneers). They were a short-lived but influential trio blending funky disco grooves, vocoder effects, synth-heavy production, and rap/party vibes—perfect for the early 80s transition from disco to electro-hip-hop.

Members

Joey Robinson, Jr. (deceased) — Key member (son of Sugar Hill co-founder Joe Robinson Sr.), handled production/vocals.

Warren Moore — Multi-instrumentalist/vocalist.

Sabrina Gillison — Female vocalist, bringing soulful leads and harmonies.

Key Releases & Tracks

They released two main albums and several singles, with a sound full of vocoders, funky basslines, handclaps, and dance-floor energy:

West Street Mob (1981, Sugar Hill) — Their self-titled debut; peaked at #57 on Billboard Black Albums. Tracks include:

"Let's Dance (Make Your Body Move)" — Infectious boogie anthem.

"Get Up And Dance"

"Natural Living"

"Never Alone"

"You're Killing Me"

"Gotta Give It Up" (funky cover vibes).

Break Dance – Electric Boogie (1983) — Their second album, named after their biggest hit.

"Break Dance — Electric Boogie" (1983 single) — Their signature track; a high-energy electro-rap celebration of breakdancing culture. It charted on the Dance chart (#22) and helped popularize the breakdance craze alongside films like Breakin'. Often sampled or referenced in old-school compilations.

Other notable singles:

"Ooh Baby" (1984-ish, non-album) — Smooth, romantic electro cut.

"Sing a Simple Song" — Sly Stone-inspired funky jam.

Their music was part of Sugar Hill's golden era—electro-funk with rap elements, aimed at clubs, roller rinks, and early MTV/breakdance scenes. Not as commercially massive as some labelmates, but they're crate-digger favorites and appear on comps like The Sugar Hill Records Story.

Legacy

West Street Mob bridged disco holdovers with emerging hip-hop/electro, influencing the broader boogie and breakdance soundtracks of the 80s. Tracks like "Break Dance — Electric Boogie" and "Let's Dance" still get spins in retro sets and have that nostalgic 1981–83 vibe (think early Afrika Bambaataa or Planet Rock energy but more vocal/funky).

If you're deep in this old-school run (Grandmaster Flash, Disco Four, Whodini, etc.), West Street Mob fits as a Sugar Hill electro-boogie side—less pure rap, more dance-floor fusion. Start with "Break Dance — Electric Boogie" (YouTube has clean uploads) or "Let's Dance" for that classic groove.

Nina Hagen (full name Catharina "Nina" Hagen, born March 11, 1955, in East Berlin, East Germany) is a legendary German singer, songwriter, actress, and provocateur, widely known as "The Godmother of German Punk". At 70 (as of 2025–2026), she's still active, releasing music, performing, and maintaining her wild, theatrical persona—blending operatic vocals, punk energy, new wave, gospel, and avant-garde experimentation over decades.

Early Life & Rise

Born in East Berlin to a scriptwriter father and actress/singer mother (Eva-Maria Hagen), she trained in ballet and opera from age 4 and was seen as a child prodigy.

As a teen in the 1970s GDR (East Germany), she joined the pop band Automobil and scored a hit with "Du hast den Farbfilm vergessen" (1974)—a subtle jab at the regime's restrictions (the "color film" metaphor for lack of freedom).

After being denied a passport for Western travel, she was expelled from East Germany in 1976/1977, moved to West Berlin, and immersed herself in the punk scene (influenced by trips to London and the emerging Neue Deutsche Welle movement).

Career Highlights

Formed the Nina Hagen Band in 1977 (Kreuzberg scene). Their self-titled debut (1978) was a massive success in Germany (over 250,000 copies), blending punk, rock, glam, and her dramatic vocals. Follow-up Unbehagen (1979) continued the raw energy.

Went solo in the early 1980s, moving to New York and Paris. Debut solo album Nunsexmonkrock (1982) is a cult classic—acidic, operatic punk with tracks like "Born in Xixax," "Smack Jack," and "African Reggae."

1980s international phase: Albums like Fearless (1983, English-language push), In Ekstasy (1985), and Revolution Ballroom (later) mixed punk, new wave, reggae, and pop. She became a global eccentric icon—outrageous outfits, provocative TV appearances (e.g., infamous Austrian show moment), and collaborations (Jean-Paul Gaultier fashion ties).

1990s–now: Explored gospel/spiritual (Return of the Mother, 2000), covers (Personal Jesus, 2010), German-language concept work, and recent releases (e.g., Was denn? 2020, new single "Alle Wollen in Den Himmel" teased recently). She's authored autobiographies and done voice acting (e.g., Sally in German Nightmare Before Christmas).

Key Songs & Style

Her signature: Extreme vocal range (screams to opera highs), theatrical performance, taboo topics (sex, politics, spirituality), and genre-blending (punk + opera + reggae + gospel). Essential tracks:

"Du hast den Farbfilm vergessen" (1974) — Early hit, subversive.

"Naturträne" / "Unbeschreiblich weiblich" (Nina Hagen Band era).

"Born in Xixax" / "Smack Jack" / "African Reggae" (from Nunsexmonkrock).

"New York New York" / "Ziggy Stardust" covers — her glam-punk flair.

Legacy

Nina Hagen is an enduring icon of rebellion, artistic freedom, and eccentricity—bridging East/West German culture, punk, and avant-garde. She's influenced generations with her risk-taking and remains a cultural force (still touring, posting on Instagram @ninahagen_official, and dropping new material).

If you're on an old-school/new wave run (like Whodini, General Njassa, etc.), Nina Hagen brings the European punk/art side—raw, theatrical, and unapologetic. Start with "Nunsexmonkrock" album or her early band stuff on YouTube/Spotify—pure 80s energy!

General Njassa (real name Jyrki Leo Jantunen, born November 2, 1962, in Helsinki, Finland) is a Finnish music pioneer, DJ, radio personality, and one of the very earliest figures in European hip-hop/electro scene.

He's best known for releasing what is widely recognized as the first Finnish hip-hop/rap record in 1983: the 12" single "I'm Young, Beautiful and Natural" (also released as maxi/single versions in France on Barclay/Carrere labels). The track is an English-language electro-funk/hip-hop jam with boastful, playful lyrics over synth-heavy beats—very much in the vein of early 80s US electro-rap (think Afrika Bambaataa, early Tommy Boy, or even Grandmaster Flash influences). It has remixes like the "Electronic U.S. Mix," and it's a collector's item today for its rarity and historical significance.

Other releases include:

"Hotel Hollywood" (1984, 12")

"Special More" (1985, 12"/7")

Album Special (1986, PolyGram) — a full LP blending hip-hop, electronic, synthpop, and electro elements.

His style was ahead of its time in Finland—mixing rap delivery with dance/electronic production during a period when hip-hop was just starting to spread beyond the US. The 1983 single is often cited in Finnish hip-hop history as the true starting point (pre-dating the more mainstream breakthrough of groups like Raptori in the 1990s).

Beyond music, Njassa (sometimes credited as General Njassa or DJ Njassa) became a long-time radio host in Helsinki, known for his work in music programming and as a cultural figure. He's also acted in a few Finnish films/TV (e.g., Aapo in 1994, Macbeth 1987, Kill City 1986) and has been involved in other creative projects.

If you're digging into early global hip-hop (like the old-school US acts we've covered: Spoonie Gee, Jimmy Spicer, Fantasy Three, Whodini), General Njassa represents the quick international spread of the sound—even reaching Finland by 1983 with an English track that somehow circled back to collectors in New York. It's a cool example of how electro-rap went global fast.

Check out "I'm Young, Beautiful and Natural" on YouTube (vinyl rips are floating around)—pure 80s synth-funk energy with that confident rap flow. Underrated piece of hip-hop history! 🎤🇫🇮