The Evolution of the Rap Group

In 1979, Wonder Mike, Big Bank Hank, and Master Gee, better known as the hip-hop group The Sugarhill Gang, released their hit song "Rapper's Delight." This was the first hip-hop song to become a Top 40 hit on the radio. "Rapper's Delight" brought the gem that was hip-hop to mainstream American audiences. It is heralded by most as the inauguration, the genesis, the very origin of the recorded history of rap in America. Followed closely by the introduction of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, hip-hop started off with the first few noticeable acts being groups. But I suppose that solo success overshadowed the importance of sticking to origins, and the rap group became a subgenre in the overall category of hip-hop. Over the course of the years, the rap group has intended to stay relevant and present. Groups like A Tribe Called Quest graced the game with their immediate classics, and recorded albums now referenced incessantly by any rapper trying to prove he knows the game's history. With Low End Theory and Midnight Maruaders consistently being put near the top of many "Best Album Lists," their impact is obvious. De La Soul gave themselves a foothold on the rap mountain with their lyrical prowess. Public Enemy gave a soundtrack to the youth as they called for a revolution. NWA lent their voice to the new gangsta rap and unknowingly gave many 21st Century preppy kids the soundtrack for which they would claim knowledge of rap for the rest of their lives. And need I say anything about Wu-Tang?

But alas, all good things must come to an end, as all of the aforementioned groups disbanded one way or another. And rap became a solo act. Granted, one very dependent on collaboration, but in the end, the credit was usually meant for one man only. As time went by, there were attempts to revive the group act. Diddy attempted to resurrect the idea with his Making The Band show, but Da Band folded after only one CD, with hardly any good music as a result. The L.O.X. yearned for Money, Power, and Respect, but Styles P., Jadakiss, and Sheek Louch never reached the mainstream success they wanted. Three 6 Mafia found success, but only after being featured in Hustle and Flow. If you doubt me, name 5 Three 6 songs other than Stay Fly or Slob on my Knob right now in your head. Groups like Naughty By Nature, 2 Live Crew, Geto Boys, all revered in some cult-like form now, but in their own heyday, none achieved the success that the mega-groups before them had.
Now today, perhaps there is a revival in the making. Supergroups once again are emerging. Helmed by Lil Wayne, the Young Money alliance has attempted to create a monopoly of sorts on the radio. Perhaps the Cali Swag District will avoid one hit wondership and have success unseen by fellow dance rappers Crank Squad and Dem Heizman Boyz. But these two will never have both commercial success and legitimate ranking in the eyes of the classic hip-hop heads. The hope, I suppose, rests on the shoulders of Kanye West and his G.O.O.D. Music label. Featuring a collection of both critically acclaimed and under appreciated performers such as Kanye himself, Big Sean, Kid Cudi, GLC, Charlie Wilson, Mr Hudson, and a selection of others. Perhaps Kanye can do what Weezy couldn't. Who knows though? Perhaps the Cool Kids will bring the group theory back. Perhaps the New Boys will show us a unseen level of talent. Once again, only time will tell.