Many of you may wonder who Sylvia Robinson is. Ms. Robinson a singer, song writer and Hip-Hop pioneer. She worked with groups such as Micky and Sylvia, who debuted with their hit “Love Is Strange.” She also played in the 1987 movie Dirty Dancing. She produced the song “Love On a Two-Way Street” for the Moments in 1970. She was born Syliva Vanderpool, but later went onto to marry Joe Robinson.

Her and her late husband were the founders of Sugar Hill Records in 1979 and went on to release the hit “Rappers Delight” performed by the Sugar Hill Gang. Her oldest son, Joey, was a member of the group. The label also signed Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, who had the hit “The Message,” which was later sampled by Ice Cube on his 1993 album Predator with “Check Yo Self.” Artists such as Kanye West and Alicia Keys sampled music from her as well.

Ms. Robinson was found dead at the age of 76 from complications of Congestive Heart Failure. The funeral is set for October 11th.

R.I.P Sylvia Robinson and thank you for all that you’ve done in the pioneering of Hip-Hop! You will be greatly missed. Now let’s reminisce with a little “Rappers Delight” after the jump. Continue reading →