Sugar Hill Records' founder, Sylvia Robinson, dead at age 75

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Long before the days of Def Jam, Sugar Hill Records was the premier hip hop record label. Obviously, home to the Sugar Hill Gang, the label was founded by Sylvia Robinson. While she has enjoyed a life of wealth and success, Robinson had been ill over the past five months, according to Sister 2 Sister.

Following five months of illness, Sylvia Robinson died earlier today at the age of seventy-five. Robinson was behind the "Rapper's Delight" track, which became hip hop's first mainstream hit. She leaves behind three sons, Joseph Robinson, Jr., Leland, and Rhondo. She was preceded in death by Joseph, Sr., her husband.

Sugar Hill Records served as the breeding ground for several legendary artists. The talent ranges from Grandmaster Flash and the Furious 5 to Angie Stone. While Sylvia Robinson has moved on, her work will live forever in her own legacy and the legacy of Sugar Hill Records.