The music video for "Rapper's Delight" is a treasure

The Sugarhill Gang revolutionized the music scene in 1979 when their single "Rapper's Delight" was released. It was the first song to feature an artist rapping from start to finish, and the tune itself was catchier than athlete’s foot in a Planet Fitness locker room. It helped make hip hop mainstream and pave the way for future artists like Kurtis Blow and Run-DMC to make careers out of their rhymes.

[Not totally unrelated: this mega-article from Complex is a dynamite read and has tons of great finds starting with Grandmaster Caz, the man whose lyrics were ripped off to help make “Rapper’s Delight]

If you’re like me, you haven’t only memorized the radio versions of the song (which can check in at 3:55 or 6:30), but the entire 14:35 album version as well. Sure it’s impressive when I do it in the car, but what’s even more amazing is that the group actually recorded the whole thing in a single take.

Until recently I was completely unaware the song had a music video. I’m not sure how I stumbled upon it, but I am eternally grateful I did. As if the song could get any better, watching Wonder Mike, Master Gee, and Big Bank Hank bop around a water park with bikini-clad women illustrates the true genius of the Gang.


Now that you have familiarized yourself with the video in its entirety, please enjoy a sequence of gifs highlighting my favorite moments. Let's dive right in:


In case you didn't pick up on it already, a red light in the center means it’s a big moment, baby bubba.

How powerwalking became a fad:

Honestly, just keep your eyes on the blonde the whole time:

You won't be disappointed:

You. Won't. Be. Disappointed.

You can tell she's feeling it just by looking at her hands:

This blonde has the same face I make when I go to Tim Hortons in the morning and it suddenly gets overrun by a bunch of youths.

I get that dancing in a pool chair isn't the most natural thing, but these women just look like they're auditioning for Weekend at Bernie's.

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