Sylvia Robinson: Mother of Hip Hop

Sylvia Vanderpool-Robinson (March 6, 1936 - September 29, 2011) was an American singer, musician, record producer, and record label executive. She was best known for her work as founder/CEO of the hip hop label Sugar Hill Records. She is credited as the driving force behind two landmark singles in the genre; 'Rapper's Delight' by the Sugarhill Gang, and 'The Message' by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.