The world of hip-hop has always been dominated by male voices and talents, but there have been a few women who have made their mark and broke barriers in this male-dominated industry. In the 80s, a group of three talented women came together and paved the way for female representation in hip-hop. Cheryl Cook, Angie Stone, and Lisa Lee, collectively known as The Sequence, became the first female hip-hop act to chart a hit single. This achievement not only opened doors for them, but also for future female artists in the genre.
The Sequence, formed in Columbia, South Carolina, in 1979, was a dynamic trio with unique and fresh styles that set them apart from other acts of their time. They were the first female hip-hop group signed to a major label, Sugar Hill Records, which was known for popularizing hip-hop music. With their debut single, “Funk You Up”, released in 1979, The Sequence made history by becoming the first female rap group to sign a record deal and to have a hit single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This was a remarkable feat as the presence of women in hip-hop at that time was scarce.
Their groundbreaking single, “Funk You Up”, stood out with its catchy beat and empowering lyrics. It showcased the trio’s strong vocal abilities and confident attitudes, which resonated with listeners, especially young women. The song’s success propelled The Sequence into the limelight and established them as pioneers of female hip-hop music. They were an inspiration to many young girls who saw them as role models, proving that women could also excel in a male-dominated industry.
Following their success with “Funk You Up”, The Sequence released their debut album, “The Sequence Party”, in 1980. The album featured their hit single, along with other notable tracks such as “Monster Jam”, “Simon Says”, and “Funky Sound (Tear the Roof Off)”. Their unique blend of hip-hop, funk, and disco sounds set the album apart from others in the genre, further solidifying their place in hip-hop history. “The Sequence Party” received positive reviews and became a fan favorite, cementing The Sequence’s status as trailblazers in the hip-hop world.
In 1981, the trio released their second album, “The Sequence Again”, which was also met with critical acclaim. The album featured the popular tracks “And You Know That” and “Do It Again”. The Sequence’s music not only appealed to hip-hop fans but also to a wider audience with its crossover appeal. This broadened the reach of hip-hop and made it more accessible to people of different backgrounds. The Sequence’s music was groundbreaking in more ways than one, as it challenged societal norms and proved that women could be successful in any genre of music.
Despite their success, The Sequence faced challenges and obstacles in the music industry, including being manipulated by their male counterparts and facing sexism and discrimination. However, they continued to push through and make their mark in hip-hop history. Their journey inspired many other women to not only enter the hip-hop scene but also to have a voice and stand up for themselves in a male-dominated industry.
The Sequence’s impact and influence continue to be felt in the music industry today. They paved the way for future female artists, with their success inspiring and empowering a new generation of female hip-hop artists. In 2006, The Sequence’s “Funk You Up” was sampled by rapper Snoop Dogg for his hit single, “That’s That”, introducing their music to a new generation of listeners.
In recognition of their contribution to hip-hop, The Sequence was inducted into the Legends of Hip Hop Hall of Fame in 2009. This was a well-deserved honor for the trio who broke barriers and shattered stereotypes in the music industry. They will always be remembered as pioneers and trailblazers who paved the way for women in hip-hop.
In conclusion, The Sequence – Cheryl Cook, Angie Stone, and Lisa Lee – were a force to be reckoned with in the male-dominated world of hip-hop. Their groundbreaking single, “Funk You Up”, marked the beginning of a new era for female representation in the genre. The trio’s impact and influence continue to be felt in the music industry, and their legacy will always be remembered and celebrated. They inspired generations of women to follow their dreams and make their voices heard in an industry that was once thought to be dominated
