Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five

Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five, a pioneering hip-hop group. Formed in the South Bronx in the late 1970s, the group consisted of Grandmaster Flash (Joseph Saddler) and five talented emcees: Melle Mel (Melvin Glover), Kidd Creole (Nathaniel Glover), Rahiem (Guy Todd Williams), Cowboy (Keith Wiggins), and Scorpio (Eddie Morris). Led by the innovative DJ techniques of Grandmaster Flash, the group became known for their contributions to turntablism and their socially conscious lyrics. Grandmaster Flash's revolutionary use of mixing, cutting, and scratching techniques on the turntables elevated DJing to an artform and laid the foundation for future DJs. The Furious Five's lyrics tackled social and political issues, giving voice to the struggles faced by marginalized communities. "The Message" was released by Sugar Hill Records on July 1st 1982, is one of the most important songs in hip-hop history. The song's raw and honest depiction of urban life connected with listeners worldwide and solidified the group's place as pioneers of conscious rap. Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five's impact extended beyond their music. They were at the forefront of hip-hop's cultural movement. Their performances and stage presence captivated audiences and set a standard for live hip-hop shows. Their groundbreaking innovations in DJing and socially conscious lyrics laid the groundwork for future rap artists and contributed to hip hop’s rise as a global cultural phenomenon.