Keith LeBlanc, a pioneering drummer who played with the likes of Grandmaster Flash and the Sugarhill Gang, has died at the age of 70.
The musician died on Thursday (April 5) after battling an undisclosed illness, Variety reported.
Along with bassist Doug Wimbish and guitarist Skip McDonald, James formed the house band for seminal labels Sugar Hill Records and Tommy Boy Records. James played on many important early hip-hop records, including the Sugarhill Gang’s “Apache (Jump On It),” Grandmaster Flash and Melle Mel’s “White Lines (Don’t Do It),” Funky Four +1’s “That’s the Joint ” ,” There are a lot more.
In 1983, LeBlanc released the underground hit “No Sell Out,” one of the first noteworthy sample-based songs. The song features Malcolm X lending his voice to LeBron’s music, with all proceeds from the song being donated to Malcolm X’s family.
The Connecticut native also worked as a producer and session musician during his decades-long career, and was a member of the bands Little Axe and Tackhead. Additionally, he has released six solo albums. To see his entire discography, head here .
His story doesn’t end there, however, as hip-hop historian Jay Quan is making a documentary about the life and career of Keith LeBlanc – as mentioned, his career included Lots of collaborations with the Sugarhill Gang.
The Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight,” released on September 16, 1979, revolutionized hip-hop. The single was produced by Sylvia Robinson and is credited with introducing hip-hop to mainstream audiences.
The song was sung by Wonder Mike, the late Big Bank Hank and Master Gee. Mike was pulled from the streets to audition for the band, and years later he’s not surprised at the impact it had.
“Even though rap music had been in the Bronx for years, ‘Rapper’s Delight’ was going to be a new form of music that was being played on the radio and I knew it was going to be a big record because of the whole planet,” Outside of New York City and northern New Jersey, no one else had even heard of rap music. ” Wonder Mike explained to HipHopDX on the occasion of the song’s 40th anniversary in 2019. “A good record is a good record, but music is bound to make history when it also creates a new genre.
Sugarhill Gang inducted into UK Music Walk of Fame
“It’s hard to believe it’s been 40 years. We have a healthy respect and perspective on our longevity, but we don’t let it stumble. We pray to stay humble. God loves a grateful heart.”
“Rapper’s Delight” became the first rap song to enter the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 36.
