History of Rap and Hip-Hop

History of Rap and Hip-Hop. Rapping first gained popularity in the U. S. In the 1970s as a kind of street art, especially among African American teenagers. But it wasn't until 1979, when the Sugarhill Gang released their breakaway hit, ‘Rapper's Delight, that record producers took of this emerging musical genre. O­nce they did, numerous rap acts, including Run-DMC and N. W.