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The Sequence
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The Sequence was an American hip hop group formed in Columbia, South Carolina in 1979, that comprised Angie B., Blondy, and Cheryl the Pearl. The group rose to fame with the single, "Funk You Up" (1979), which was the first rap hit performed by women and one of the first commercially successful hip hop singles.[1] Their debut album, Sugar Hill Presents The Sequence (1980), was released on Sugar Hill Records and was the first hip hop record on vinyl released by an all-female act.[1]

Key Information

In the period between the release of their first two albums, the group co-wrote and performed on songs performed by their labelmates, including "Let's Dance (Make Your Body Move)" by West Street Mob. Their follow-up self-titled album was released in 1982 to limited commercial success. The group's final album The Sequence Party was released in 1983.

The Sequence have reportedly sold a million records worldwide, making them the first female hip hop act to sell over a million records.

History

[edit]

Formation and early years

[edit]

As childhood friends, Angela Brown, Gwendolyn Chisolm, and Cheryl Cook grew up in the Saxon Homes Projects in Columbia, South Carolina.[1] Brown and Chisolm sang in their church choir and also participated in local dance competitions.[1] They attended and graduated from C.A. Johnson High School.[2] By the age of nineteen, Chisolm was working as an employee at a local Super Saver Foods.[1] Her manager promised her tickets and backstage passes to a concert by The Sugarhill Gang for her twentieth birthday.[1] Chisolm arrived at the concert and found out that there were no tickets set aside for her or her group mates. However, the group were invited backstage by The Sugarhill Gang’s manager as he began flirting with Brown.[1] While backstage, the group met Sylvia Robinson who was the CEO of hip hop label Sugar Hill Records.[1] They auditioned for Robinson who signed them to the label as their first female act.[1][3]

1979–1981: Sugarhill presents The Sequence

[edit]

In 1979, the group adopted stage names: Angie B. (Angela Brown), Blondy (Gwendolyn Chisolm), and Cheryl the Pearl (Cheryl Cook); and began recording their debut album. They released their debut single "Funk You Up" in December 1979. The song became one of the first original hip hop songs to be released without sampling.[4] "Funk You Up" peaked at number fifteen on the Hot Soul Singles.[1] Shortly after the release of the song, The Sequence went on tour with The Sugarhill Gang. In 1980, The Sequence released their debut album Sugarhill presents The Sequence, which received positive reviews from music critics.[5] Later that year, they released two more singles: "Monster Jam" and "And You Know That". The album's third single "Funky Sound (Tear the Roof Off)", a remake of the single "Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof off the Sucker)" (1976) by Parliament, peaked at number forty-three on the Hot Soul Singles chart.

In 1981, the group began writing and recording background vocals for other music acts on Sugar Hill Records. They wrote and provided background vocals for "Sing a Simple Song" and "Let's Dance (Make Your Body Move)" by West Street Mob, the latter of which peaked at number eighty-eight on Billboard's Hot 100 chart and number eighteen on the Hot Soul Singles. Cheryl the Pearl co-wrote "8th Wonder" (performed by The Sugarhill Gang) and "Let Your Mind Be Free" (performed by Ferrari).

1982–1985: The Sequence and The Sequence Party

[edit]

In 1982, The Sequence released their self-titled second album, which peaked at number fifty-one on the Black LPs chart. The album featured a mixture of hip hop songs and ballads. The album's first single "I Don't Need Your Love (Part One)" peaked at number forty on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart. Following the release of the single, the group toured once again with The Sugarhill Gang. Following the conclusion of the tour, they began recording their third album. In late 1982, they released a single titled "Here Comes the Bride". In 1983, they released their third album The Sequence Party. The Sequence followed up with the release of their single "I Just Want to Know". In 1985, they released their final singles: "Funk You Up '85" and "Control".

Disbandment and aftermath

[edit]

In 1985, the group refused to renew their recording contract after a dispute with Sugar Hill Records CEO Sylvia Robinson.[1] The group's dispute with the label stemmed from not being paid their royalties from the songs they wrote and recorded. The group also felt like the money from their royalties were being used to support other musical acts on Sugar Hill Records.[1] In addition to the royalty dispute, Angie B. refused to renew her contract without a ten-thousand dollar advance, which lead to an internal dispute amongst the group members.[1] The group ultimately disbanded and went their separate career paths. Blondy worked at a telemarketing firm in Hackensack and also continue to work with Sugar Hill Records co-founder Joe Robinson.[1] She left Sugar Hill Records after witnessing Robinson being pistol-whipped during a closed-door meeting.[1] Cheryl the Pearl left the music industry to pursue a career in home health care.[1] Angie B. pursued a solo music career and also began working at Kiss-FM radio station in New York.[6] In 1985, Angie B. began performing as Angie B. Stone and later simply Angie Stone, carrying the last name of her first husband Rodney "Lil' Rodney C" Stone. In 1988, she formed a music group called Vertical Hold. The group released two albums A Matter of Time (1993) and Head First (1995) before disbanding in 1996.[7]

In July 2008, Angie Stone and Cheryl the Pearl reunited and performed "Funk You Up" at the annual Essence Festival. Stone and Cheryl the Pearl also performed "Rapper's Delight" alongside The Sugarhill Gang. In September 2011, Blondy and Cheryl the Pearl reunited and release a single entitled "On Our Way to the Movies"; credited as "The Sequence featuring Blondy and Cheryl the Pearl". In October 2016, Angie and Blondy performed "Funk You Up" at the Capital Jazz Cruise. In August 2018, the group were interviewed by WLTX on the current state of hip hop music.[8] In August 2019, The Sequence reunited and performed "Funk You Up" at the Neighborhood-to-Neighborhood (N2N) Festival. In 2020, Cheryl the Pearl released a single "Your Way My Way" on her own record label Black Bottom Entertainment.[9] On March 1, 2025, Stone was killed in a car accident near Montgomery, Alabama, at the age of 63.[10]

Legacy

[edit]

The Sequence have been recognized as the first female hip hop act in music history. Their debut single "Funk You Up" has become the source of heavy music sampling. Elements of "Funk You Up" have been used by Dr. Dre for his 1995 single "Keep Their Heads Ringin'",[11] 1997 "Whatever" remix by En Vogue, 2003 "Love of My Life Worldwide" by Erykah Badu, 2014 "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars. In December 2017, the group filed a Federal Copyright Infringement claim against Bruno Mars, claiming that "Uptown Funk" makes use of their 1970s hit "Funk You Up".

In 2016, The Sequence voiced their frustration after feeling snubbed by the VH1 Hip Hop Honors: All Hail the Queens.[12] VH1 came under fire as they credited Salt-N-Pepa as "the first true female hip-hop group", despite The Sequence debuting in 1979.[12]

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
Title Album details Peak chart positions
US
R&B/
Hip Hop
Sugarhill presents The Sequence —
The Sequence
  • Released: 1982
  • Label: Sugar Hill Records
  • Formats: LP
 51
The Sequence Party
  • Released: 1983
  • Label: Sugar Hill Records
  • Formats: LP
 —

Compilations

[edit]
  • Funky Sound (1995), P-Vine
  • The Best of the Sequence (1996), Deep Beats
  • Monster Jam: Back to Old School, Vol. 2 (2000), Sequel

Singles

[edit]
List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
R&B
/Hip Hop
"Funk You Up" 1979 15 Non-album single
"And You Know That" 1980 — Sugarhill presents The Sequence
"Funky Sound (Tear the Roof Off)" 1981 39
"Simon Says" 1982 —
"I Don't Need Your Love (Part One)" 40 The Sequence
"Here Comes the Bride" — The Sequence Party
"I Just Want to Know" 1983 —
"Funk You Up '85" 1985 — Non-album single
"Control" —
"On Our Way to the Movies" 2011 —

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

The Sequence

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Sequence was an American hip-hop trio formed in , in 1979, comprising Angela "Angie B." Brown (later known as ), Gwendolyn "Blondie" Chisholm, and Cheryl "Cheryl the Pearl" Cook. As the first all-female rap group to sign with a major label, Sugar Hill Records, they broke significant gender barriers in the male-dominated genre of hip-hop. The group rose to prominence with their debut single, "Funk You Up," released in 1979, which became the first rap record by women and sold over 500,000 copies. This track, produced by , blended funky basslines with playful rhymes, establishing their signature style of upbeat, party-oriented rap. Follow-up singles like "" (1982) and "I Don't Need Your Love" (1982) continued their success, leading to three albums: Sugar Hill Presents The Sequence (1980), The Sequence (1982), and The Sequence Party (1983). Their music often featured call-and-response vocals and influences from and R&B, reflecting the group's Southern roots and youthful energy—each member was in her late teens at formation. Despite their early innovations, The Sequence disbanded in the mid-1980s amid shifting industry dynamics that favored solo acts and male rappers. transitioned to a successful solo career in neo-soul and R&B, releasing hits like "Wish I Didn't Miss You" and earning Grammy nominations. The group reunited sporadically, including performances in 2019 and an in 2018 discussing hip-hop's evolution. Tragically, died in a car crash on March 1, 2025, at age 63, prompting renewed tributes to the trio's foundational role in women's hip-hop. The Sequence's legacy endures as trailblazers who inspired generations of female rappers, from to modern artists, by proving women's viability in rap's commercial landscape. Their work has been featured in hip-hop documentaries and sampled in contemporary tracks, underscoring their influence on the genre's diversification.

Background

Formation

The Sequence formed in 1979 in Columbia, South Carolina, when childhood friends Cheryl "The Pearl" Cook, Gwendolyn "Blondy" Chisolm, and Angela "Angie B." Brown—later known as Angie Stone—decided to create an all-female hip-hop group. The trio, who had known each other since elementary school and shared interests in music and cheerleading at C.A. Johnson High School, were inspired by the emerging hip-hop scene in the Bronx, which they discovered through radio broadcasts reaching their Southern hometown. Motivated to counter the male-dominated genre and represent women, they began writing rhymes infused with funk and playful energy, drawing from their cheerleading routines to craft energetic, female-perspective narratives. The group honed their skills through early performances at local venues and high school talent shows in Columbia, where they performed original material to build confidence and audience rapport. Their breakthrough came on October 20, 1979, at the Auditorium during a concert, when the trio, acting as cheerleaders for the event, boldly approached the backstage area and auditioned for Sugar Hill Records founder . Impressed by their impromptu performance—where they rapped an original song claiming they could "out-sing and out-rap" the male acts—Robinson signed them on the spot, delaying the concert by over an hour to accommodate the session with musicians like bassist and guitarist Skip McDonald. This discovery led directly to the recording of their debut single, "," in late 1979 at Sugar Hill's studios in , as a deliberate response to the prevailing male-centric rap narratives of the era. The track featured the group's fun, funk-infused rhymes over a bass-heavy groove, marking them as hip-hop's first all-female trio to release a commercial single and emphasizing themes of female empowerment and lighthearted rebellion.

Members

The Sequence consisted of three core members who formed the group's foundation as pioneering female rappers: Cheryl "The Pearl" Cook (born November 19, 1960), Gwendolyn "Blondy" Chisolm (born October 20, 1959), and Angela "Angie B." Brown (later known professionally as ). All three hailed from , where they grew up together in the Saxon Homes housing projects, sharing a deep-rooted friendship that originated during their high school years at C.A. Johnson High School. This longstanding bond influenced their collaborative approach, enabling seamless songwriting sessions and a distinctive harmonious rap style that blended synchronized flows with playful, unified energy during performances. Cheryl "The Pearl" Cook served as a primary and songwriter, bringing a dynamic and spirited delivery to the trio's tracks and live shows. Born in , Cook's contributions helped define the group's upbeat, funk-infused sound, drawing from their shared Southern roots. After the group's active period, she focused on personal development, while making occasional performance appearances to celebrate their legacy. Gwendolyn "Blondy" Chisolm, born October 20, 1959, in , functioned as a and dancer, enhancing the group's stage presence with her movement and visual flair. Standing at 5'2", Chisholm's role emphasized the trio's energetic , complementing their lyrical interplay. Post-group, she maintained a more private life centered on family and community, though she participated in reunions and events honoring their history, such as a 2015 performance in Columbia. Angela "Angie B." Brown, born December 18, 1961, in , emerged as the lead rapper and vocalist, while also serving as a central songwriter whose verses often anchored the group's narratives. Her commanding yet melodic style set the tone for their recordings and helped propel their breakthrough as one of hip-hop's earliest all-female acts signed to Sugar Hill Records. Following the Sequence's run, Brown rebranded as and pivoted to R&B, achieving solo success with her 1999 debut album Black Diamond, which went gold, and subsequent Grammy nominations for tracks like "." Stone passed away on March 1, 2025, at age 63, following a car crash in .

Recording Career

Early Releases (1979–1981)

The Sequence's debut single, "Funk You Up," released in December 1979 by Sugar Hill Records, marked the group's entry into the burgeoning hip-hop scene as the first commercially released rap recording by an all-female ensemble. Produced by Sylvia Robinson, the track served as a playful, female-led counterpart to the label's breakthrough hit "Rapper's Delight" by the Sugarhill Gang, incorporating samples from that song while delivering energetic, call-and-response rhymes over a funk-infused beat. It peaked at number 15 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, achieving significant airplay and becoming one of the earliest rap singles to gain mainstream traction. Following the single's momentum, the group released their debut album, Sugar Hill Presents The Sequence, in 1980, also under Sugar Hill Records and produced by in collaboration with Jigsaw Productions. The LP featured tracks like the title inclusion "," "And You Know That," "," and "Funky Sound," blending live instrumentation with party-oriented rap that emphasized fun, empowerment, and rhythmic interplay to broaden appeal in a male-dominated genre. This approach highlighted innovative elements such as layered vocal harmonies and upbeat funk grooves, setting the album apart as a pioneering effort in female-led hip-hop production. Commercially, the single "Funk You Up" sold over 500,000 copies worldwide, propelling the group onto Sugar Hill's package tours alongside acts like and . The album received media attention for shattering gender barriers, with outlets recognizing The Sequence as trailblazers who brought a fresh, inclusive energy to hip-hop's early commercialization. Despite this breakthrough, the group encountered challenges, including limited radio support amid pervasive in the industry, which restricted broader exposure for female rappers. Their focus on lighthearted, celebratory content helped navigate these obstacles, fostering a wide audience while underscoring their role in diversifying the genre's voices.

Later Albums (1982–1983)

Following the success of their debut, The Sequence released their self-titled sophomore album in 1982 on Sugar Hill Records, marking a shift toward more introspective themes centered on relationships and personal empowerment. The lead single, "I Don't Need Your Love (Part 1 & 2)," a double A-side, peaked at number 40 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, highlighting the group's tight vocal harmonies and messages of romantic independence. Tracks like "Love Changes" and the extended cover of James Brown's "Cold Sweat" incorporated funk grooves with emerging electro influences, blending rap verses over R&B ballads for a maturing sound that emphasized emotional depth over party-oriented energy. The album reached number 51 on the Billboard Black LPs chart, reflecting moderated commercial interest compared to their earlier breakthrough. In 1983, the group issued their final studio album, The Sequence Party, which leaned into upbeat, celebratory tracks while retaining and R&B foundations. Produced by , the record featured party anthems such as the title track "Sequence Party" and "Here Comes the Bride," backed by live to create a lively, danceable atmosphere with disco-rap elements. Unlike the more ballad-heavy previous release, this album aimed to recapture the fun vibe of their origins but achieved lower sales, failing to chart amid the evolving hip-hop landscape. During this period, internal dynamics were strained as member (Angie B.) pursued solo opportunities amid feelings of exploitation by the label's practices. These tensions contributed to creative challenges over the group's direction. No further albums were released after 1983, and the group disbanded in the mid-1980s.

Disbandment and Aftermath

Breakup in 1985

The Sequence announced their disbandment in 1985, marking the end of their run as a trio after the release of their final album, The Sequence Party, in 1983. This third LP failed to replicate the commercial success of their earlier work, contributing to the group's dissolution amid shifting dynamics in the hip-hop landscape. Several factors precipitated , including mounting pressures from Sugar Hill Records' deteriorating financial position. By late 1985, the label faced severe cash flow problems, leading to an IRS seizure of its assets on November 21 for over $200,000 in unpaid taxes, which exacerbated tensions with artists like The Sequence. Additionally, member (then Angie B.) sought to transition toward a solo career in R&B, influenced by her pregnancy with her first child and a desire to explore broader musical avenues beyond group rap. Exhaustion from extensive touring—having shared stages globally with acts like and —further strained the members, as the relentless schedule took a toll on their personal lives. The group ceased active performances around this time, with no formal farewell tour organized due to emerging internal conflicts over creative direction and individual aspirations. The emotional fallout was immediate and challenging; longstanding friendships among Cheryl Cook, Gwendolyn Chisholm, and Stone became temporarily strained, as Cook and Chisholm later expressed feelings of being overshadowed by Stone's accelerating solo trajectory in the years following.

Post-Group Activities

Following the disbandment of The Sequence in 1985, lead member Angie Stone, formerly known as Angie B., pursued a successful solo career in R&B and neo-soul. She signed with Arista Records and released her debut album, Black Reign, in 1999, which achieved commercial success and featured the single "No More Rain (In This Cloud)." Stone's follow-up album Mahogany Soul (2001) produced the hit "Wish I Didn't Miss You," which peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and became one of her signature tracks. Over her career, Stone earned three Grammy Award nominations, including for Best R&B Album for Mahogany Soul in 2002. Tragically, Stone died in a car accident on March 1, 2025, in Montgomery, Alabama, at the age of 63, while traveling from a performance; she was a passenger in a van that overturned on Interstate 65. The other members, Cheryl "The Pearl" Cook and Gwendolyn "Blondy" Chisholm, maintained low-profile lives after the group's dissolution, focusing on personal endeavors and family rather than public music careers. Chisholm founded the nonprofit Education Through Talent to support youth development. They made occasional guest appearances, such as at local events in their hometown of , including a 2015 reunion performance at the Green Carpet Affair benefiting C.A. Johnson High School. In 2017, a feature highlighted their pioneering role in hip-hop while addressing ongoing struggles for broader recognition as the first all-female rap group signed to a major label. The following year, they received a local tribute in Columbia through the , Peace & Hip-Hop Honors event, which celebrated their contributions to early hip-hop. The Sequence members participated in informal reunions and performances sporadically in the and , often at hip-hop anniversary events or hometown gatherings, but the group never released a full album after 1985. In , Cook and Chisholm were part of a settlement with Sugar Hill Records over unpaid royalties after decades of litigation. Following Angie Stone's death, tributes surged in 2025, including a soulful performance of her hit "No More Rain (In This Cloud)" by Brittany Spencer at the in June, honoring her legacy as a trailblazer. A hometown took place in June 2025 in , featuring performances and reflections from Cook and Chisholm, drawing fans to commemorate the group's impact. In the broader aftermath, The Sequence has been the subject of induction discussions and honors in hip-hop institutions; the group was inducted into the Hip Hop Hall of Fame in 2014 alongside acts like . Media revivals have included documentaries and features, such as the 2025 episode of Hip-Hop Chronicles titled "The Untold Truth of The Sequence," which explored their foundational role in female-led rap.

Musical Style and Legacy

Style and Innovations

The Sequence's musical style was characterized by a seamless fusion of funk, disco, and rap, drawing heavily from the groovy basslines and live horn sections that defined early hip-hop production. Their debut single "Funk You Up" exemplified this approach, blending the rhythmic rap flows of contemporaries like the Sugarhill Gang with the disco grooves of Chic's "Good Times," creating an infectious, dance-oriented sound that prioritized upbeat energy over aggression. This integration was further influenced by Parliament-Funkadelic's psychedelic funk aesthetics, evident in the layered, sample-heavy arrangements that infused their tracks with a vibrant, communal party vibe. As the first all-female rap group signed to a major label, The Sequence introduced key innovations in group dynamics and performance, including synchronized rhymes and ad-libs that created a harmonious, call-and-response interplay among the members. Their eschewed the emerging hardcore gangsta themes in favor of empowering and playful narratives, often celebrating female strength and joy in everyday experiences, which set a for positive representation in hip-hop. On stage, they enhanced their presence through coordinated outfits and props, transforming performances into visually engaging spectacles that amplified their message of unity and fun. Production techniques played a crucial role in their sound, with collaborations involving Joe Robinson, co-founder of Sugar Hill Records, who helped craft extended mixes on 12-inch singles to allow for fuller exploration of their funky rhythms and vocal layers. These methods, overseen at Sugar Hill Studios, emphasized live instrumentation and sampling to maintain a raw, celebratory edge. Over their career, The Sequence's music evolved from the lighthearted party rap of their early releases to more introspective themes in later works, reflecting deeper personal and communal reflections while retaining their core emphasis on .

Cultural Impact

The Sequence holds a pioneering role in hip-hop as the first all-female rap group to sign with a major label, Sugar Hill Records, and release an original track, "Funk You Up," in 1979, which sold over 500,000 copies and demonstrated the commercial potential of women in the genre. Their success predated and influenced subsequent female artists, including Salt-N-Pepa and Roxanne Shanté, by establishing a template for group dynamics and lyrical delivery in female-led rap. In terms of gender legacy, The Sequence challenged the male-dominated landscape of 1980s hip-hop, where women faced systemic barriers and , as noted in reflections on their under-recognition despite opening doors for future generations. A 2019 Rolling Stone feature highlighted this oversight, quoting member : "Women in hip-hop have to fight harder. We have to work twice as hard to get half the recognition," underscoring how their bold, unapologetic style sparked ongoing discussions about inequities in the industry. Their broader influence extends to sampling and media representation, with "Funk You Up" interpolated in 1990s tracks such as Dr. Dre's "Keep Their Heads Ringin'" (1995), the remix of C.P.O.'s "This Beat Is Funky" (1990), and even led to a 2017 copyright infringement lawsuit against and for interpolating elements in their hit "" (the suit was dropped in 2023), preserving their funk-infused sound in later hip-hop production. The group has appeared in hip-hop documentaries like the BBC's First Ladies of Hip-Hop (2023) and TV One's Unsung profile on (2015), which revisited their foundational contributions. Following Angie Stone's death in a car crash on March 1, 2025, post-2025 tributes, including a New York Times obituary and the 2025 documentary From Sequence to Soul Star: The Angie Stone Story, amplified The Sequence's legacy, emphasizing their role as hip-hop trailblazers and prompting renewed acclaim for their impact on female representation. While they received no Grammy Awards during their active years, retrospective honors include features in hip-hop histories and discussions of their limited recognition at events like the 2016 VH1 Hip Hop Honors, where they expressed frustration over being overlooked despite their pioneering status.

Discography

Studio Albums

The Sequence released three studio albums during their tenure with Sugar Hill Records, marking their contributions to early hip-hop with a blend of , , and R&B elements. These albums showcased the group's evolving sound, from raw party anthems to more structured productions incorporating live instrumentation. Their debut album, Sugar Hill Presents The Sequence, was released in 1980 and served as the first full-length hip-hop record by an all-female group on vinyl. Produced by and Jigsaw Productions, it featured a straightforward, energetic style rooted in the Sugar Hill sound, with beats emphasizing bass and percussion. The album includes seven tracks, highlighting the group's playful rhymes and call-and-response delivery. Key tracks include "And You Know That," which exemplifies their funky, upbeat flow.
TrackTitleDuration
17:36
2The Times We're Alone4:45
3We Don't Rap The Rap6:50
4Funk A Doodle Rock Jam5:26
5And You Know That6:06
6Funky Sound4:50
7Come On Let's Boogie5:37
The group's self-titled second album, The Sequence, arrived in 1982 and reflected a more polished production approach, with contributions from Cheryl Cook as co-producer alongside Joey Robinson Jr. and . This release incorporated smoother arrangements, including guitar and elements by Reggie Griffin, and a mix of rap tracks with slower ballads. It contains seven tracks, with "I Don't Need Your Love (Part 1 & 2)" standing out as a signature hit that reached number 55 on the Black Singles chart.
TrackTitleDuration
1I Don't Need Your Love (Part 1 & 2)6:13
2Can You Feel It4:40
3Funk That You Mothers7:44
4Cold Sweat4:32
5Love Changes7:42
6Unaddressed Letter4:35
7Get It Together3:30
The final studio album, The Sequence Party, was issued in 1983 and emphasized celebratory, dance-oriented themes amid the label's emerging challenges. Co-produced by Cheryl Cook, , and Joey Robinson Jr., it featured live drums by and synthesizers by Reggie Griffin, blending hip-hop with grooves. The eight-track effort includes party anthems like the title track, marking the group's last original release before their hiatus.
TrackTitleDuration
1Angels Playing Hooky3:47
23:38
3Where Are You Tonight3:51
4Sequence Party6:08
5Here Comes The Bride6:05
6I Just Want To Know4:55
7I Just Want To Love You Baby4:05
8Fi-Ya Up That Funk3:31

Singles

The Sequence, an pioneering all-female hip-hop trio from , released a series of singles between 1979 and 1983, primarily in 12-inch vinyl formats via Sugar Hill Records. These tracks blended rap with and R&B elements, helping to establish female voices in the emerging genre. Over the course of their career, the group issued approximately five notable singles, several of which achieved modest success on the chart and contributed to the commercial viability of hip-hop during its formative years. Their debut single, "" (1979), served as a hit, becoming one of the earliest commercially successful rap by women and peaking at No. 15 on the chart after 11 weeks. The track's B-side was "Sugar Hill Groove," an instrumental that complemented its upbeat, party-oriented rap style. As the second single from Hill following the Sugarhill Gang's "," it sold over 500,000 copies and helped solidify the label's in hip-hop's mainstream . "Simon Says" (1980) was an early follow-up single featuring playful rhymes and a funky groove, though it did not chart significantly. "Funky Sound (Tear the Roof Off)" (1980) built on their party-rap style, peaking at No. 45 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. In 1982, "I Don't Need Your Love (Part 1)" marked the group's highest-charting single, reaching No. 40 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart over eight weeks. Released with "Part 2" as the B-side, it shifted toward a smoother, ballad-like R&B delivery with rap verses, showcasing the trio's versatility and Angie Stone's lead vocals. This release, from their self-titled album, highlighted their evolution amid changing tastes in Black music charts. "And You Know That" (1980), a funky rap track, built on their early momentum without major chart placement. These releases, like much of their output, were geared toward club play and radio airplay in R&B markets, reinforcing The Sequence's influence on female-led hip-hop despite limited crossover success.
Single TitleYearB-SidePeak Chart Position (Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)Label
1979Sugar Hill Groove15Sugar Hill
1980()-Sugar Hill
Funky Sound (Tear the Roof Off)1980-45Sugar Hill
And You Know That1980()-Sugar Hill
I Don't Need Your Love (Part 1)1982Part 240Sugar Hill
The singles' cultural significance lies in their role as trailblazers for women in hip-hop, with "Funk You Up" often cited as a foundational track that inspired subsequent female artists by demonstrating rap's potential beyond male-dominated narratives. While chart peaks were modest compared to male contemporaries, these releases amassed hundreds of thousands in sales and influenced the genre's party-rap substyle.

Compilations and Reissues

Following the group's disbandment in 1985, several compilations and reissues emerged to preserve The Sequence's contributions to early hip-hop, drawing from their Sugar Hill Records catalog. These releases, primarily targeted at international and retrospective audiences, highlighted their hits and rarities while introducing their music to new generations through remastered formats. In 1995, P-Vine Records issued Funky Sound, a Japan-exclusive compilation that collected key tracks from the group's original singles and albums, including "" and "." Released on CD, it emphasized their funky, disco-infused rap style and became a sought-after item for collectors outside the U.S. due to its limited distribution. The following year, Deep Beats released The Best of The Sequence (The Sisters of Rap), a 12-track CD compilation featuring core hits like "" (with ), "," and "And You Know That," alongside lesser-known cuts such as "We Don't Rap the Rap" and "Funk Soul Party." This anthology, subtitled to honor their pioneering role as female rappers, included rarities not widely available previously and served as an accessible entry point for fans rediscovering old-school hip-hop. In 2000, Sequel Records contributed to hip-hop retrospectives with Monster Jam: Back to Old School, Vol. 2, a compilation that featured The Sequence's tracks amid broader old-school selections, spotlighting their collaborative "Monster Jam" and underscoring their influence on the genre's formative years. The 2010s saw renewed interest through vinyl remasters tied to Sugar Hill Records anthologies, such as the 2010 A Complete Introduction to Sugar Hill Records and the 2019 Sugar Hill Records: The 12" D.J. Boxset, both of which included extended versions of The Sequence's singles like "Funk You Up" in high-fidelity pressings for audiophiles and crate-diggers. These efforts revived their catalog on analog formats, aligning with the vinyl resurgence in hip-hop collecting. Following the death of member in a car crash on March 1, 2025, digital tributes proliferated, including curated streaming bundles on platforms like and that bundled The Sequence's tracks with Stone's solo discography to honor her legacy as a hip-hop pioneer turned R&B icon. These posthumous digital collections, often framed as memorials, facilitated broader accessibility and sparked renewed streams of their early work.

References

  1. https://genius.com/artists/The-sequence
  2. https://www.discogs.com/artist/47603-The-Sequence
  3. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/the-sequence-the-funked-up-legacy-of-hip-hops-first-ladies-118369/
  4. https://variety.com/2025/music/news/angie-stone-dead-wish-i-didnt-miss-you-singer-the-sequence-1236324437/
  5. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/01/arts/music/angie-stone-dead.html
  6. https://hiphopgoldenage.com/the-first-female-rap-group-the-sequence/
  7. https://magazine.waxpoetics.com/rediscovery/the-sequence-funk-you-up/
  8. https://www.carolinapanorama.com/news/local/blondy-one-of-sequence-members-to-return-to-columbia/article_27cf6476-7879-11e5-99cc-c38f9a7eb7fb.html
  9. http://www.oldschoolhiphop.com/artists/emcees/thesequence.htm
  10. https://ratedrnb.com/2025/03/angie-stone-legendary-singer-songwriter-dead-at-63/
  11. https://www.discogs.com/release/96029-The-Sequence-Funk-You-Up
  12. https://genius.com/albums/The-sequence/Sugar-hill-presents-the-sequence
  13. https://www.discogs.com/master/240959-The-Sequence-Sugar-Hill-Presents-The-Sequence
  14. https://apnews.com/article/hiphop-50th-anniversary-women-1315186a6bf90ede0190a9d3f8682362
  15. http://www.warr.org/angiestone.html
  16. https://www.tunesmate.com/blog/daily-eighties-flashback-the-sequence-i-dont-need-your-love/
  17. https://thetenz.com/f/1982-retro-rap-album-review-the-sequence?blogcategory=Rap
  18. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the_sequence/the_sequence_party.p/
  19. https://www.discogs.com/master/206262-The-Sequence-The-Sequence-Party
  20. https://unkut.com/2014/10/angie-stone-aka-angie-b-the-sequence-the-unkut-interview/
  21. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-03-31-fi-2208-story.html
  22. https://www.npr.org/2025/03/02/nx-s1-5315113/angie-stone-dies-car-crash
  23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PWz-NubVpM
  24. https://grammy.com/artists/angie-stone/6410
  25. https://www.wsfa.com/2025/03/02/grammy-nominated-singer-angie-stone-dies-alabama-crash/
  26. https://realqueensofhiphop.tumblr.com/Sequence
  27. https://www.facebook.com/events/1009460485869113/
  28. https://www.206zulu.org/sugar-hill-records-artists-reach-settlement-with-label-after-nearly-40-years/
  29. https://thegrio.com/2025/06/10/angie-stone-gets-soulful-tribute-at-2025-bet-awards/
  30. https://amsterdamnews.com/news/2014/05/29/hip-hop-hall-fame-inducts-sugar-hill-gang-sequence/
  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNIULBbbYys
  32. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-08-07/sugar-hill-records-gang-sylvia-robinson-rappers-delight-1979-50th-anniversary-hip-hop
  33. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-67020852
  34. https://www.whosampled.com/The-Sequence/Funk-You-Up/
  35. https://www.xxlmag.com/the-sequence-sue-bruno-mars-uptown-funk/
  36. https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/2023/first-ladies-of-hip-hop-announcement
  37. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4414492/
  38. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTLTCTZxvDE
  39. https://ambrosiaforheads.com/2017/05/the-sequence-bruno-mars-hip-hop-honors-interview/
  40. https://hip-hop-music.fandom.com/wiki/The_Sequence
  41. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-sequence-mn0000000584
  42. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/the-sequence/sugar-hill-presents-the-sequence/
  43. https://genius.com/albums/The-sequence/The-sequence
  44. https://www.discogs.com/master/394175-The-Sequence-The-Sequence
  45. https://genius.com/albums/The-sequence/The-sequence-party
  46. https://www.billboard.com/charts/r-b-hip-hop-songs/1980-03-15/
  47. https://www.discogs.com/release/98767-Sequence-Simon-Says
  48. https://www.musicvf.com/The+Sequence.songs
  49. https://www.billboard.com/charts/r-b-hip-hop-songs/1982-07-17/
  50. https://www.discogs.com/release/4613926-The-Sequence-Funky-Sound
  51. https://www.discogs.com/release/503223-The-Sequence-The-Best-Of-The-Sequence-The-Sisters-Of-Rap
  52. https://www.allmusic.com/album/the-best-of-the-sequence-the-sisters-of-rap-mw0000579502
  53. https://www.discogs.com/release/533629-The-Sequence-Monster-Jam
  54. https://www.discogs.com/release/2867134-Various-A-Complete-Introduction-To-Sugar-Hill-Records
  55. https://open.spotify.com/artist/0PvnF7nV4B3zOHF3qW4LlG
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