Sugarhill Gang defined the hip hop genre

They were formed like a boyband, but the Sugarhill Gang went on to define the dawn of hip hop, says Ed Power

KANYE West experienced a rare and presumably disorientating moment of humility when he bumped into iconic rap troupe the Sugarhill Gang backstage at a festival several years ago. He pulled the trio aside and confessed his life-long fandom. Then he started bowing.

“He gave us the upmost compliments,” says Henry Williams, aka rhymer Hendogg. “He was like, ‘I know who you guys are — much respect, it’s truly a privilege.’”