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From the days of New York's Sugarhill Gang, the MC has been a mainstay in rap music and hip-hop. Back in 1979, when "Rapper's Delight" was being performed, audiences had seen entertainers "flossing" their gold, herringbone chains. They had sported gobs of jewelry which covered every finger on their hands. These entertainers dressed up like this to attract attention. They stood in front of their group and rapped to a cheering crowd.

An MC or Master of Ceremonies was bold, brash and full of bravado. They wanted the stoplight on them. The flashy threads(clothes for the un-hip), the rope chains and jewelry and stepping out in front focused a crowd's admiration and awe towards them. Rap and hip-hop came from the streets. Picture a "Ghetto Superman" standing tall and proud! Back then, real rap and real hip-hop were that! Long before Corporate America took black culture hostage, there was only a microphone and an MC.

An MC was the one who started the party. He introduced the bands that were performing that night. Male or female, they had the most style in the room. They were loud in their dress, their stance and their voice. They wanted the audience's focus on what was coming onstage.

During the early years of rap and hip-hop, a lot came onstage to shine. There were talented, female artists, such as MC Lyte, Roxanne(the Sista), the Real Roxanne(the Puerto-Rican princess), Salt-n-Pepa and Queen Latifah. These strong women paved an easier road for female rappers to travel down later.

In Harlem and Brooklyn, male rappers, like LL Cool J (Ladies Love Cool James) showcased his machismo and player skill. Kool Moe Dee, Curtis Blow, Grandmaster Flash, Kool Herc, Prince Melle Mel, KRS-One and Eric B. and Rakim were others that rocked the mic and performed. Sometimes, they were MCs who introduced the headlining acts. However, they had the talent to be the headliners themselves.

Back then, being an MC was something anyone could do. All you needed was a big mouth, a strong personality and a willingness to dish it out and take it. A new generation arose from the pioneers who blazed the trail. In 2007-2008, you have Yung Joc, Young Jeezy, Lil Wayne (now being referred to as Wayne Carter), the Ying Yang Twins, Kayne West, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Young Buck, Lloyd Banks, Ludacris and Chingy. All of them took a trade that produced thousands of dollars for an artist two decades ago. Now, they're making millions of dollars and buying luxury cars, homes and in some cases, planes and yachts. But understand, each one won't forget what first brought them to the stage.

All it took was a person with a microphone in their hand.

Learn more about this author, Marcus Brooks.
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