Facts

Some interesting facts gathered while researching. See about page for citations.

  • The Sugarhill Gang's 1979 hit "Rapper's Delight" was the first rap single to make the Top 40 list. The song was recorded in one take and the original version is 14:35 long.
  • The Mercedes Ladies were the first all-female rap group.
  • Suge Knight founded Death Row Records using money he had extorted from Vanilla Ice. The label dominated charts thanks to artists like Tupac, Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg.
  • OutKast's album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 2004, the first and only for a hip hop group. That same album went Diamond (sold over 10 million copies) in 2006.
  • St. Louis artists have popularized certain aspects of hip hop fashion. Nelly's contributions: Nike Air Force 1's and Apple Bottoms Jeans.
  • Rappers with sports careers (college or pro): Master P, Nelly, 50 Cent, Rick Ross
  • Lil Jon helped crunk music go mainstream in 1997.The use of the word "crunk" became synonymous with the meaning "crazy drunk".
  • Diddy used to be a back-up dancer for Big Daddy Kane and Heavy D.
  • Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes and DMX all went to the same high school.
  • Da Brat was the first female solo rapper to have a platinum-selling album.
  • Yo! MTV Raps launched in 1988.