The Sugarhill Gang Return Home to Headline Rapper’s Convention at bergenPAC

Hip-hop is coming full circle as The Sugarhill Gang return to their hometown roots to headline the 2nd Annual Rapper’s Convention at bergenPAC on April 17.

As one of the most influential groups in music history, The Sugarhill Gang helped introduce rap to the mainstream with their groundbreaking 1979 hit “Rapper’s Delight.” The record not only became the first rap single to reach the Billboard Top 40, but also helped launch hip-hop into a global cultural movement.

Now, more than four decades later, fans will get a rare chance to witness living history as the legendary group performs in the very community that helped shape their journey. Attendees can expect timeless classics including “Apache,” “8th Wonder,” and “Rapper’s Reprise,” alongside the anthem that started it all.

The night won’t stop there. The Rapper’s Convention will also feature a powerhouse lineup of hip-hop pioneers, including Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, The Crash Crew, The Treacherous 3, The Awesome 2, and more—bringing together architects of the culture for a celebration rooted in authenticity and legacy.

“This is more than a concert—it’s a celebration of the artists who created the blueprint for everything that followed,” said Leland Robinson of Sugar Hill Records. And that sentiment rings true. In an era where hip-hop continues to evolve, events like this serve as a reminder of where it all began.

The venue itself adds another layer of significance. bergenPAC, a historic theater dating back to 1926, has long stood as a cultural landmark in the New Jersey and New York area, hosting legendary performers across generations. Its continued commitment to arts and education makes it the perfect home for a night dedicated to hip-hop’s foundation.

The 2nd Annual Rapper’s Convention promises more than just music—it’s an immersive celebration of the golden era, filled with timeless beats, classic rhymes, and the kind of energy that defined hip-hop’s earliest days.

For fans of the culture, this isn’t just a show—it’s history in motion.

Tickets are available now.