Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five

 Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five was a pioneering hip-hop group formed in the South Bronx, New York City in 1978. The group was composed of five members: Grandmaster Flash (born Joseph Saddler) on turntables, Melle Mel (born Melvin Glover) and Kid Creole (born Nathaniel Glover) as MCs, Rahiem (born Guy Williams) as a second MC, and Cowboy (born Keith Wiggins) as a third MC.

Grandmaster Flash, a former electrician and DJ, was known for his innovative turntable techniques and for pioneering the use of the mixer in DJing. The group quickly gained a reputation for their live shows, which featured Flash's impressive turntable skills and the high-energy performances of the MCs.

In 1982, the group released their most famous single, "The Message", which became a landmark in hip-hop music. The song's socially conscious lyrics, written by Melle Mel, addressed issues such as poverty, drug addiction, and police brutality, and marked a departure from the party-oriented lyrics that had dominated early hip-hop music.

Over the next few years, the group continued to release albums and singles that further cemented their place in hip-hop history. They were the first hip-hop group to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2007, and their influence on hip-hop music and culture can still be heard today.

In addition to their musical achievements, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five were also known for their fashion sense, which included leather jackets, Kangol hats, and Adidas sneakers. Their style helped to define the early hip-hop fashion aesthetic and has continued to influence fashion trends to this day.

Despite their success, the group had internal conflicts and eventually disbanded in the mid-1980s. However, their impact on hip-hop music and culture remains undeniable, and their legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists.