Rapper's Delight, one of the most iconic hip-hop songs of all time, sampled the song “Good Times” by Chic. This sample became the foundation for Rapper's Delight and played a crucial role in shaping the sound of early hip-hop.
The story behind the sample is quite interesting. When Sugar Hill Records, the label that released Rapper's Delight, decided to use the “Good Times” sample, they encountered some legal issues. Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, the songwriters of “Good Times” and members of Chic, threatened to sue Sugar Hill Records for copyright infringement. They believed that Rapper's Delight had unlawfully used their song without permission.
The legal battle that followed resulted in a settlement between the two parties. Sugar Hill Records agreed to give Rodgers and Edwards songwriting credits for Rapper's Delight, acknowledging their contribution to the track. This settlement allowed the release of the song and paved the way for future hip-hop artists to sample music from other genres.
It is worth noting that the “Good Times” sample in Rapper's Delight is a key element that defines the track's sound. The infectious bassline and disco groove of Chic's original song provide the backbone for the entire composition. This sample created a bridge between the emerging hip-hop culture and the popular disco/funk music of the late 1970s.
Another interesting fact about Rapper's Delight is that it was recorded in a single take. The Sugar Hill Gang, the group behind the song, laid down their verses and hooks in one continuous recording session. This adds to the raw and authentic feel of the track, capturing the essence of early hip-hop's improvisational and live performance nature.
Furthermore, Rapper's Delight exists in different versions and mixes. There are at least five known mixes of the song, each with slight variations in arrangement, length, and production. These different mixes cater to different preferences and have contributed to the song's longevity and adaptability in various contexts.
Rapper's Delight sampled the song “Good Times” by Chic, which initially led to legal disputes between Sugar Hill Records and Nile Rodgers/Bernard Edwards. The settlement reached granted Rodgers and Edwards songwriting credits for Rapper's Delight. This sample became an integral part of the track, defining its sound and bridging the gap between hip-hop and disco/funk music. Rapper's Delight was recorded in a single take, showcasing the improvisational nature of early hip-hop. The existence of multiple mixes further added to the song's versatility and longevity.