Sugarhill Gang

As to our final point above, we have examined the record and slipcover more closely and advise that the word 'Roulette' on the sunburst-orange slipcover is in fact the word 'Sugarhill' , with the address 1790 Broadway, N.Y.N.Y 10019, indicating some form of corporate association between the two labels/

The 12" pictured, which lists Sylvia Robinson and SHG members as song writers under the title, was the first re-issue of 'Rappers...'on Sugarhill's newly-designed blue label having the multi-coloured logo. Shortly thereafter, the label was reportedly sued by a Nile Rodgers-group of songwriters claiming infringement, i.e. use of the instrumental backdrop to Chic's "Good Times". One result of the case was that the Nile Rodgers group of writers were to be listed on a reprinting of the label. From a collector's viewpoint, the above 12" is more difficult to get that the one having the reprinted label.

The above being said, the true original 12" of 'Rapper's.." was issued by Sugarhill (also as SH-542) on a deep orange label with black print, listing Robinson and SHG members as songwriters and having exactly the tracks listed on the 12" pictured above. It was a very simply-styled label that likely was issued as either a test press, promotional copy or for limited commercial distribution. We have seen no evidence to support any of these possibilities; however, the record was found in unplayed, mint condition in early 1979 in a mint Roulette sunburst-orange slipcover, perhaps indicating some underlying association.