| Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five | |
|---|---|
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Origin |
The Bronx, New York, U.S. |
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Genres |
Hip hop, funk, electro |
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Years active |
1978-1983, 1987-1988 |
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Labels |
Enjoy Records (1979) |
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Associated acts |
Grandmaster Melle Mel and the Furious Five, The Sugarhill Gang |
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Past members |
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Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five was an American hip hop group formed in the South Bronx of New York City in 1978. Composed of one DJ (Grandmaster Flash) and five rappers (Melle Mel, Cowboy, Kidd Creole, Scorpio and Rahiem), the group's use of turntablism, break-beat deejaying, choreographed stage routines, and lyricism was a significant force in the early development of hip hop music.
The group rose to fame in the early 1980s with their first successful single "Freedom". They are best known for their 1982 song "The Message", a song that helped introducing social commentary to the lyrics of rappers and is often cited as among the most influential hip hop songs of all time. However, in 1983, relations between Grandmaster Flash and Melle Mel became strained and the group disbanded. A reunion was organised in 1987 to release a new album, but the group disbanded permanently after the release.
The group was active for five years and released two studio albums. In 2007, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five became the first hip hop group to ever be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Their song, "The Message", is considered one of the greatest hip hop songs of all time.
Discography[]
Studio albums[]
- 1982: The Message
- 1988: On the Strength