Various Artists - The Message: The Roots of Rap (2016)

In the space of two decades, rap has moved from being outlaw music to a part of the mainstream. Some would say that, in doing so, it's had to sacrifice some of its impact - and certainly little current output can beat these ten groundbreaking tracks from the early years. The Sugarhill Gang's 'Rapper's Delight' was the genres breakthrough single in 1979. It took the Gang from New Jersey to the world's airwaves, cleverly borrowing the familiar rhythm track from Chic's 'Good Times' to seduce the radio programmers. Over in the Bronx, Joseph Saddler, better known as Grandmaster Flash, was perfecting his DJ techniques and the powerfully apocalyptic 'The Message' was a worldwide Top 10 hit for him in 1982. Melle Mel was a member of Flash's Furious Five, and he achieved similar success 18 months later with the anti-drug 'White Lines'. Few rap artists have achieved longevity in their careers, typically taking a turn at the cutting edge before fading or diversifying. Kool Мое Dee, once of the Treacherous 3, became a writer of movie screenplays, but here contributes 'Turn It Up', a hit from 1985 and a highlight of this classic rap collection.

Tracklist:
1.01 - The Sugarhill Gang - Rapper's Delight (Long Version) (14:34)
1.02 - Grandmaster Flash - The Message (7:12)
1.03 - West Street Mob - Break Dance - Electric Boogie (5:09)
1.04 - Crash Crew - Breaking Bells (Take Me to the Mardi Gras) (7:23)
1.05 - Funky 4+1 - That's the Joint (9:21)
1.06 - Grandmaster Melle-Mel - Step Off (Extended Mix) (7:24)
1.07 - The Treacherous Three - Turn It Up (7:33)
1.08 - Grandmaster Flash - White Lines (Don't Do It) (Long Version) (7:37)
1.09 - Spoonie Gee - Spoonie Is Back (6:31)