The Message
Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five are one of the most influential American hip-hop groups in history. Group was formed in the South Bronx of New York City in 1978, and it was composed of a DJ, "Grandmaster Flash," and five rappers Melle Mel, Kidd Creole, Cowboy, Mr. Ness / Scorpio, and Rahiem. The diverse use of turntablism, breakbeat deejaying, concept stage routines, and lyricism was a significant force in the early development of hip-hop music.
The group became famous in the early 80s with their first successful single, "Freedom," and later on with their most significant work, "The Message," which is often cited as among the most influential hip hop songs ever produced.
The group was going for five years and released two studio albums. 2007 was the year they became the first hip-hop group ever to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
"The Message" was first written in 1980 by Duke Bootee and Melle Mel and was released as a single on the LP with the same title in 1982 on "Sugar Hill Records." The EP and LP were reissued more than 90 times on various Sugar Hill Records and other record labels worldwide like CBS, RCA, Vogue, and so on. There are also different mixes and remixes of "The Message" released throughout the years.
There isn't a major hip-hop artist who didn't sample this one. From 2Pac to Puff Daddy, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Mos Def, Pharrell Williams, Coolio, Newcleus, Public Enemy... it was sampled in more than 300 official releases. Even bands sampled this piece.
"The Message" provided a political and social commentary and became a driving force behind conscious hip-hop. Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, are credited for it but, the only member to appear on the track is rapper Melle Mel, whose verses were among the first socially conscious hip-hop lyrics.
"The Message" is an integral part of hip-hop history. It established the genre's credibility in mainstream music. It is one of the most recognizable hip-hop songs ever made, a gigantic feat of rippling synth that sounds like it came from Space Disco, funky "moogish" bass, and lovely stereo drums polished with party funk driven by political rap.
The song topped at #4 in the R&B chart and #62 in the pop chart. It is unknown how many copies of the record were sold, although some sources stated that "The Message" was sold in half a million copies in a month.
The song was mastered at legendary "Sterling Sound," a US-based mastering company responsible for mastering more than 28,000 vinyl records, CDs, and cassettes since 1968. "Sterling Sound" was already known for the mastering of bands like "The Rolling Stones," "Led Zeppelin," "The Doors," "The Stooges"...
"The Message" is truly an original piece that has influenced many and is still inspiring many musicians worldwide.
The weight and importance of "The Message" are growing by every decade.