Curtis Fisher a.k.a Grandmaster Caz, one of Hip Hop’s very first and most well known ghostwriters, turns 63 today. He currently works as a celebrity tour guide for Hush Hip Hop Tours, a Hip Hop cultural sightseeing tour company in NYC and is a board member of The Universal Federation for the Preservation of Hip Hop Culture.
In his apex in the early 80s, Caz was a founding member of the legendary Cold Crush Brothers and also singlehandedly wrote Hip Hop’s most recognizable hit of all time, “Rapper’s Delight”, which was performed by The Sugar Hill Gang. Unfortunately, Caz was never compensated at all for that piece of Hip Hop history.
Caz has done his part to preserve the Hip Hop culture in his own right, and in 1998 he was listed #11 out of Blaze Magazine‘s Top 50 MCs of All Time. Caz was also inducted into the Technics DJ Hall of Fame in 1999 and June 2008, Grandmaster Caz was inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame. We at TheSource.com want to wish a very happy 63rd to a true Grandmaster.
On today’s date, 44 years ago, “Rapper’s Delight” became Hip-Hop’s first Top 40 single. “Rapper’s Delight” was released by Englewood, New Jersey’s Sugarhill Gang in August of 1979. As one of Hip Hop’s earliest relics, this single, written by The Cold Crush Brothers’ own Grandmaster Caz, is credited with bringing the art of rap to a multicultural mainstream audience.
In the ’70s, disco and soul still reigned supreme in the clubs and lounges of the country’s urban centers. In its most primitive form, Hip Hop was still misunderstood (and exclusive to New York City and California). Breaking, tagging, rapping, and spinning records were widely recognized as the borderline criminal activities of whatever city’s urban youth. The culture’s cult following was majority made up of housing project residence, the type to not frequent the discos and bars of their respective downtown centers. Every once in and while someone would drop a single that would break through and get some shine on the club scene but never make much of a splash nationally. “Rapper’s Delight” was a different story.
On September 20, 1979, new wave bands Blondie andChic were playing a concert at New York’s renown Palladium with British punk rock band The Clash; Hip Hop’s earliest socialite (and soon to be television host)Fab Five Freddy was on the scene with Sugarhill Gang members Big Bank Hank, Mike Wright, and Master Gee. Having just released a single featuring Chic’s hit single “Good Times” from their recent international album Risqué, it was natural for the gang to hop on stage and start freestyling as soon as Chic dropped the bass line.
Sometime later, Chic’s Nile Rodgers was out at New York’s Club Leviticus and heard a recorded cut of the very song The Sugarhill Gang ever-so-delightfully interrupted his concert weeks earlier. Enraged, Rodgers immediately sought legal action and attempted to sue the Sugarhill Gang for using his band’s instrumental in their single. The lawsuit was settled out of court, and appropriate credit was given to Chic in their part of the song.
With the lawsuit and legal attention came a swarm of popularity. Disc Jockeys in clubs across the country began to spin this record every night of the week. The single gained so much play in the United States that clubs across the globe began to push this song like no tomorrow. Although the single may have peaked at #36 on the Billboard 200, it was #1 in Canada and the Netherlands, #2 in Belgium, France, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and #3 in Germany and the UK. This single song sold platinum in both the United States and Canada, with over 5 million copies sold worldwide.
“Rapper’s Delight” may be the most important single of Hip Hop culture. It didn’t event style, it wasn’t the first to gain mainstream success, it wasn’t even from New York, but it was the biggest of its time. What “Rapper’s Delight” did was make it “ok” to listen to and support rap music out in the open. Before this single, Hip Hop was an urban taboo. Upon its release, the connotation transformed from one synonymous with the ghetto to a new and hip musical genre. In a way, “Rapper’s Delight” gentrified Hip Hop in a way that made it profitable. Without it, the culture would not be a powerful as it is today.
The year following the birth of hip hop, 1974, marked the emergence of new influencers who would push the genre’s boundaries further. Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash, and Grandmaster Caz, all admirers of DJ Kool Herc’s innovative techniques, began their own journey in the realm of hip-hop. As a result, their influence and contributions would take the burgeoning music genre to new heights.
Afrika Bambaataa: The Zulu Nation’s Foundation
Afrika Bambaataa performs on stage at The Venue, London, UK, 23rd November 1982. (Photo by David Corio/Redferns)
Afrika Bambaataa, born Kevin Donovan, was more than just a hip hop artist; he was a visionary. Although there are conflicting timelines, most believe that in the mid-70s, he established the Zulu Nation—a collective of graffiti artists, breakdancers, and music enthusiasts. However, in 1974, he began hosting parties of his own. Bambaataa’s vision was to use the energy of hip-hop to unite the youth, creating a platform for self-expression and camaraderie.
Grandmaster Flash 1982 (Photo by Chris Walter/WireImage)
Born Joseph Saddler, Grandmaster Flash was another pivotal figure in the hip hop scene of 1974. Like Bambaataa, Flash was heavily influenced by DJ Kool Herc’s unique style. Flash’s innovative DJing techniques, including cutting, mixing, and scratching, quickly earned him fame and respect in the hip hop community.
Grandmaster Caz: The Lyrical Maestro
Grandmaster Caz during Interscope Records Presents “The Next New York Showdown” at Fulton State Park in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
Grandmaster Caz, also known as Curtis Fisher, rose to prominence in 1974. He was not only an exceptional DJ but also a gifted lyricist. His ability to weave together intricate rhymes made him an influential figure in the evolution of hip-hop.
UNITED KINGDOM – NOVEMBER 23: THE VENUE Photo of AFRIKA BAMBAATA, Afrika Bambaataa at The Venue, London. 11-23-1982 (Photo by David Corio/Redferns)
The year 1974 was a time of growth and expansion for hip hop. The genre, initially born out of block parties and local gatherings, began spreading throughout the Bronx and beyond. The influence of DJ Kool Herc continued to echo in the work of artists like Bambaataa, Flash, and Caz, who took his innovative techniques and made them their own.
Conclusion/TLDR
As we continue our countdown to the 50th anniversary of hip hop, we reflect on the genre’s second year. 1974 was a significant milestone, marking the rise of new influencers who would go on to shape the direction of hip hop in the years to come. From Afrika Bambaataa’s Zulu Nation to Grandmaster Flash’s innovative DJing techniques and Grandmaster Caz’s lyrical prowess, the contributions of these artists cannot be overstated.
Their work in 1974 set the stage for hip hop’s evolution, showing us that the genre was more than just music—it was a cultural revolution, a form of self-expression, and a tool for uniting communities. As we move closer to the 50th anniversary, we remember 1974 as the year hip hop began to find its voice and assert its place in the world of music.
Rock The Bells (RTB), the global platform dedicated to elevating Hip-Hop culture from its roots to the modern day, announced the lineup for “Rock The Bells Cruise: A Hip-Hop Experience” in partnership with Sixthman, the industry leader in unforgettable music and lifestyle festivals at sea.
The lineup features Hip-Hop’s most notable icons, including Rick Ross, Lil Jon, Big Boi, DJ Jazzy Jeff, MC Lyte, Ghostface Killah, Trina & Trick Daddy, Just Blaze, Big Daddy Kane, Too $hort, Slick Rick, DJ Spinderella, Mannie Fresh, Pete Rock, DJ Quik, Rah Digga, EPMD, Bun B, Bahamadia, Grandmaster Caz, DJ Scratch, The Finisher Mister Cee, DJ EPPS, DJ Nina 9, Grandmaster Dee, Technician The DJ, and DJ Critical Hype. Hosted byRoxanne Shanté&Torae, attendees will also experience a pool deck party series presented by world-renowned party rockerKid Capri.
Commenting on the cruise, legendary Hip-Hop artist and host Roxanne stated: “How could I not Rock the Boat with the Goat? LL COOL J’s Rock The Bells keep the culture afloat. Please believe it.” Too $hort added, “Rock The Bells is Hip-Hop History, and they’re working to MAKE history!”
While the cruise is “sold out,” fans can still go to the website rockthebellscruise.com to sign up for the waiting list, where rooms are offered as they become available.
The sold-out Rock The Bells Cruise: A Hip-Hop Experience lineup is here! We’re bringing the celebration of Hip-Hop turning 50 to the high seas with @SXMLiveLoud & bringing some of the greatest DJs, MCs, & producers with us. Visit https://t.co/W5Gi4ShOfe to join the waitlist pic.twitter.com/bR5ojA21sz
On today’s date, 43 years ago, “Rapper’s Delight” became Hip-Hop’s first Top 40 single. “Rapper’s Delight” was released by Englewood, New Jersey’s Sugarhill Gang in August of 1979. As one of Hip Hop’s earliest relics, this single, written by The Cold Crush Brothers’ own Grandmaster Caz, is credited with bringing the art of rap to a multicultural mainstream audience.
In the ’70s, disco and soul still reigned supreme in the clubs and lounges of the country’s urban centers. In its most primitive form, Hip Hop was still misunderstood (and exclusive to New York City and California). Breaking, tagging, rapping, and spinning records were widely recognized as the borderline criminal activities of whatever city’s urban youth. The culture’s cult following was majority made up of housing project residence, the type to not frequent the discos and bars of their respective downtown centers. Every once in and while someone would drop a single that would break through and get some shine on the club scene but never make much of a splash nationally. “Rapper’s Delight” was a different story.
On September 20, 1979, new wave bands Blondie andChic were playing a concert at New York’s renown Palladium with British punk rock band The Clash; Hip Hop’s earliest socialite (and soon to be television host)Fab Five Freddy was on the scene with Sugarhill Gang members Big Bank Hank, Mike Wright, and Master Gee. Having just released a single featuring Chic’s hit single “Good Times” from their recent international album Risqué, it was natural for the gang to hop on stage and start freestyling as soon as Chic dropped the bass line.
Sometime later, Chic’s Nile Rodgers was out at New York’s Club Leviticus and heard a recorded cut of the very song The Sugarhill Gang ever-so-delightfully interrupted his concert weeks earlier. Enraged, Rodgers immediately sought legal action and attempted to sue the Sugarhill Gang for using his band’s instrumental in their single. The lawsuit was settled out of court, and appropriate credit was given to Chic in their part of the song.
With the lawsuit and legal attention came a swarm of popularity. Disc Jockeys in clubs across the country began to spin this record every night of the week. The single gained so much play in the United States that clubs across the globe began to push this song like no tomorrow. Although the single may have peaked at #36 on the Billboard 200, it was #1 in Canada and the Netherlands, #2 in Belgium, France, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and #3 in Germany and the UK. This single song sold platinum in both the United States and Canada, with over 5 million copies sold worldwide.
“Rapper’s Delight” may be the most important single of Hip Hop culture. It didn’t event style, it wasn’t the first to gain mainstream success, it wasn’t even from New York, but it was the biggest of its time. What “Rapper’s Delight” did was make it “ok” to listen to and support rap music out in the open. Before this single, Hip Hop was an urban taboo. Upon its release, the connotation transformed from one synonymous with the ghetto to a new and hip musical genre. In a way, “Rapper’s Delight” gentrified Hip Hop in a way that made it profitable. Without it, the culture would not be a powerful as it is today.
On today’s date, 43 years ago, Hip Hop’s first Billboard Top 40 single, “Rapper’s Delight,” was released by Englewood, New Jersey’s Sugarhill Gang. As one of Hip Hop’s earliest relics, this single, written by The Cold Crush Brothers’ own Grandmaster Caz, is credited with bringing the art of rap to a multicultural mainstream audience.
In the ’70s, disco and soul still reigned supreme in the clubs and lounges of the country’s urban centers. In its most primitive form, Hip Hop was still misunderstood (and exclusive to New York City and California). Breaking, tagging, rapping, and spinning records were widely recognized as the borderline criminal activities of whatever city’s urban youth. The culture’s cult following was majority made up of housing project residence, the type to not frequent the discos and bars of their respective downtown centers. Every once in and awhile, someone would drop a single that would break through and get some shine on the club scene but never make much of a splash nationally. “Rapper’s Delight” was a different story.
On September 20, 1979, new wave bands Blondie andChic were playing a concert at New York’s renown Palladium with British punk rock band The Clash; Hip Hop’s earliest socialite (and soon to be television host)Fab Five Freddy was on the scene with Sugarhill Gang members Big Bank Hank, Mike Wright, and Master Gee. Having just released a single featuring Chic’s hit single “Good Times” from their recent international album Risqué, it was natural for the gang to hop on stage and start freestyling as soon as Chic dropped the bass line.
Sometime later, Chic’s Nile Rodgers was out at New York’s Club Leviticus and heard a recorded cut of the very song The Sugarhill Gang ever-so-delightfully interrupted his concert weeks earlier. Enraged, Rodgers immediately sought legal action and attempted to sue the Sugarhill Gang for using his band’s instrumental in their single. The lawsuit was settled out of court, and appropriate credit was given to Chic in their part of the song.
With the lawsuit and legal attention came a swarm of popularity. Disc Jockeys in clubs across the country began to spin this record every night of the week. The single gained so much play in the United States that clubs across the globe began to push this song like no tomorrow. Although the single may have peaked at #36 on the Billboard 200, it was #1 in Canada and the Netherlands, #2 in Belgium, France, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and #3 in Germany and the UK. This single song sold platinum in both the United States and Canada, with over 5 million copies sold worldwide.
“Rapper’s Delight” may be the most important single of Hip Hop culture. It didn’t event style, it wasn’t the first to gain mainstream success, it wasn’t even from New York, but it was the biggest of its time. What “Rapper’s Delight” did was make it “ok” to listen to and support rap music out in the open. Before this single, Hip Hop was an urban taboo. Upon its release, the connotation transformed from one synonymous with the ghetto to a new and hip musical genre. In a way, “Rapper’s Delight” gentrified Hip Hop in a way that made it profitable. Without it, the culture would not be a powerful as it is today.
