Grand Master Flash & The Furious Five – The Message (Vinyl 12")

Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five – The Message is a 12" maxi-single on Sugar Hill Records (cat. no. SHL 117), first released in the US on July 1, 1982. The lyrics are rapped by Melle Mel and Duke Bootee (Ed Fletcher); the song was produced by Sylvia Robinson and Ed Fletcher in Englewood, New Jersey. "The Message" is regarded as one of the first major hip hop songs with social commentary; it reached No. 8 in the UK, and in 2002 the Library of Congress added it to the National Recording Registry as the first hip hop recording. This copy is the 1982 UK original pressing at 45 RPM.

Pressing details

• Label / Cat. no.: Sugar Hill Records SHL 117
• Format: Vinyl, 12", 45 RPM, maxi-single
• Pressing: UK original
• Country: UK
• Year: 1982
• Genre: Hip Hop, 12" Maxi-Singles

Condition

• Condition: Second hand
• Media: NM-
• Cover: VG

Graded to Goldmine standard (see Vinyl Grading). The images are our own scans of the actual copy for sale.

Tracklist

Side A

1. The Message (Chase/Fletcher/Glover/Robinson)

Side B

1. The Message (Instrumental)

Personnel

Rap: Melle Mel (Melvin Glover), Duke Bootee (Ed Fletcher). Written by: Clifton "Jiggs" Chase, Ed Fletcher, Melvin Glover, Sylvia Robinson. Producers: Sylvia Robinson (Sylvia Inc.), Ed Fletcher. The UK edition was distributed by PRT Records and pressed by Damont.

FAQ

Is this the original pressing?
Yes, it is the 1982 UK first edition on Sugar Hill with catalogue number SHL 117. The US edition came out shortly before, in July 1982.

What does Media NM- / Cover VG mean?
NM- (Near Mint minus) means the record is close to new with at most minimal signs of play. VG (Very Good) means the sleeve shows clear wear, such as rubbing, creases or edge wear. All grades are explained on our Vinyl Grading page.

Is Grandmaster Flash heard on the song?
No. Despite the group name, "The Message" is rapped by Melle Mel and Duke Bootee; Grandmaster Flash himself does not take part in the recording.

Do you have more Melle Mel and Furious Five records?
Yes, for example Grandmaster Melle Mel & The Furious Five (LP, DE original 1984) and Grandmaster Melle Mel – King Of The Streets (yellow 12").