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Rap music first hit the mainstream in 1979 when The Sugarhill Gang dropped "Rapper's Delight" over the top of the beat to "Good Times" by Chic. At that time Chic was one of the more popular groups out and "Good Times" their most popular song. Wonder Mike, Master Gee, and Big Bank Hank, had the whole nation rapping along with their melodic rendition.

Later, in 1985, Run DMC affectively changed the hip hop audience forever when they recorded a remake of the Aerosmith hit "Walk This Way", which crossed over and became rap music's first multi-platinum smash. The industry has not been the same since with crossover and mass appeal beyond any of the pioneer's wildest imaginations.

This answer is a bit misleading, though. There was a rap explosion in 1989-90-- that is when it became a true mainstream genre. Although rap existed in 1979, it was not popular as a genre.

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13y ago

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