The Message (original version)

~ Recording by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five feat. Melle Mel & Duke Bootee

Appears on releases

#TitleLengthTrack ArtistRelease TitleRelease ArtistRelease Group TypeCountry/DateLabelCatalog#
Official
1.1The Message (vocal)7:11Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveThe MessageGrandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveSingle
  • US1982-07-01
Sugar Hill Records (US late 70s/early 80s rap)SH 584
1.7The Message7:12Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveThe MessageGrandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveAlbum
Sugar Hill Records (US late 70s/early 80s rap)SHLP 1007
1.7The Message7:11Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveThe MessageGrandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveAlbum
Sugar Hill Records (US late 70s/early 80s rap)SH 268
1.3The Message7:11Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveGrandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveGrandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveAlbum + Compilation
Sugar Hill Records (US late 70s/early 80s rap)6.25 644, 6.25644, 6.25644 BL
1.3The Message7:11Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveStepping OffGrandmaster Melle Mel & The Furious FiveAlbum + Compilation
  • -1985
Sugar Hill Records (US late 70s/early 80s rap)SHLP 1002
1.6The Message7:10Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveGenius of Rap: The Sugarhill StoryVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Blatant RecordsBLATCD 1
1.6The Message7:10Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveGenius of Rap: The Sugarhill StoryVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Castle Communications (primary imprint of Castle Communications PLC)CCSCD 284
1.11The Message7:07Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveDance Classics, Volume 7Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Arcade (record label founded in 1970s by Herman Heinsbroek; use this as its universal imprint)01 3521 61
1.1The Message7:13Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveRapmasters 8: The Best of the StreetVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Priority Records (US hip hop)CDL 7958
1.4The Message7:11Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveRappers DelightVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
K WestKWEST 5074
1.4The Message7:11Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveRappers DelightVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
DiskyDCD 5074
1.7The Message7:12Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveThe MessageGrandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveAlbum
Sugar Hill Records (US late 70s/early 80s rap)246 230-2 ZR
1.7The Message7:11Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five feat. Melle Mel & Duke BooteeHip Hop Greats: Classic RapsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • US1990-04-04
Rhino (reissue label)R2 70957
1.2The Message7:10Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveLe top du rapVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Carrère (just "CARRERE", not "CARRERE MUSIC")50 006
1.11The Message7:07Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveDance Classics, Volume 2Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Arcade (record label founded in 1970s by Herman Heinsbroek; use this as its universal imprint)04 3152 61
1.14The Message7:15Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveRock & Pop Diamonds 1982Various ArtistsCompilation
Sonocord281/46 041-0
1.1The Message7:14Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveBest of 12" Gold, Volume 20Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Old Gold (UK, hits reissues)OG 3420
1.6The Message7:15Grandmaster FlashDance, Dance, Dance 2Various ArtistsAlbum
Dino Music (subsidiary of EMI Netherlands BV)DCD 90 31022
1.4The Message7:11Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveGreatest Rap & DanceVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
DiskyDCD 5252
2.3The Message7:13Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveThe Sugar Hill Story: Old School Rap: To the Beat Y'allVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Sequel Records (UK reissue label)NXT CD 217
5.17The Message7:10Grandmaster Flash and the Furious FiveThe Rolling Stone Collection: 25 Years of Essential RockVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Time–Life MusicOPCS-2692, OPCS-2693, OPCS-2694, PT-23707, PT-23708, PT-23709, PT-23710, R102-33
5.17The Message7:10Grandmaster Flash and the Furious FiveThe Rolling Stone Collection: 25 Years of Essential RockVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Time–Life MusicA-23707/R102-34, A-23708/R102-34, A-23709/R102-34, A-23710/R102-34, OPCD-2692/R102-34, OPCD-2693/R102-34, OPCD-2694/R102-34, R102-34
4.2The Message7:10Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five63 Hits From The Sensational SeventiesVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Fat Boy Records Ltd (UK label)FAT CD 410
1.11The Message7:13Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveDisco DazeVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Castle Communications (primary imprint of Castle Communications PLC)MAT CD 261
1.12The Message7:04Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveDisco Power 2Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Prima MusikPMM 0519-2
1.2The Message7:13Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveGrandmasters of RapVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Eurostar Schallplatten GmbH
2.5The Message7:08Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveLost in Music: 29 Dance Hits From the 70'sVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Arcade (record label founded in 1970s by Herman Heinsbroek; use this as its universal imprint)8900009
4.12The Message7:14Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveThe History of Pop: 1974 to 1982Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Castle Communications (primary imprint of Castle Communications PLC)MBSCD 426
1.6The Message7:03Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveMessage From Beat Street: The Best of Grandmaster Flash, Melle Mel & The Furious FiveGrandmaster FlashAlbum + Compilation
  • US1994-04-19
Rhino (reissue label)R2 71606
1.17The Message7:10Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveMillion Sellers: The EightiesVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
DiskyMSCD 1971
1.10The Message7:13Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveOld School JamsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • CA1994-12-26
SPG MusicSPG 7010
2.9The Message7:12Grandmaster FlashDance Disco DanceVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Castle Communications (primary imprint of Castle Communications PLC)BAK CD 103
1.11The Message7:11Grandmaster FlashDancefloor Smash Hits of the EightiesVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Kaz Records
1.11The Message7:11Grandmaster FlashDancefloor Smash Hits Of The EightiesVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Kaz RecordsEUK MC801
1.5The Message7:13Grandmaster FlashJam! Jam! Jam! Sugarhill - The Legendary LabelVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Music Collection InternationalMUSCD 016
1.11The Message7:08Grandmaster FlashL'America del rock 10: La febbre del sabato seraVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
La RepubblicaAdR-10
1.15The Message7:15Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveMo' Beats 6Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Eastwest Records (for copyrights, manufacturing, distributing use only!), Intro (German music magazine)9548-33181-2
1.1The Message7:10Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveThe Message: The History of RapVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
NTRCD024
1.10The Message7:06Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveWhite Lines & Other MessagesGrandmaster FlashAlbum + Compilation
Wise BuyWISE 017
2.2The Message7:12Grandmaster Flash80s Dance GrooveVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Pulse RecordingPDS CD 539
1.8The Message7:11Grandmaster FlashDance Floor Classics, Volume 2Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Castle Communications (primary imprint of Castle Communications PLC)EUK BX 304/2
2.15The Message7:11Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveDancing in the StreetVarious ArtistsAlbum + Soundtrack
Elite (UK, reissue label of Pickwick Group plc)30364 00162
1.7The Message7:11Grandmaster FlashDisco DanceVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Sony BMG Music Entertainment (Aug 5, 2004 - Oct 1, 2008)GR CD 281
1.19The Message7:13Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveThe Norton Anthology of African American Literature Audio CompanionVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation + Spokenword
W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.
1.9The Message7:11Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveKurtis Blow Presents the History of Rap, Volume 2: The Birth of the Rap RecordVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • US1997-08-19
Rhino (reissue label)R2 72852
1.10The Message7:13Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveOld School Jams: The History Lesson (2 CD)Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • CA1997-12-11
SPG MusicSPG 7012
2.1The Message (original 12" mix)7:13Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveAbsolutely... The Very Best of Old School RapVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Deep BeatsDEEPBOX 7
2.10The Message7:10Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveHip Hop Don't StopVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Solid State Records (UK dance comps)SOLIDCD6, SOLIDSCD6
1.2The Message7:09Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveRap AttackVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
DiskyDOU 878312
1.2The Message7:09Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveRap FieberVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
DiskyDU 876082
1.14The Message7:10Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveSelection of the 70sVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
De LuxeDCD-786
1.6The Message (original 12" mix)7:10Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveThe MessageGrandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveSingle
Deep BeatsDEEPCD0001, DEEPCD001
3.5The Message7:13Grand Master Flash & The Furious FiveThe Sugar Hill Records StoryVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Rhino (reissue label)R2 72449
1.10The Message7:12Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveRapper's Delight & Other Old School FavoritesVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • US1998-01-20
Flashback Records (reissue label, subsidiary of Rhino)R2 75211
1.9The Message7:12Grandmaster Flash & Melle MelDance-Disco-80's, Volume 2: Disco Dance of the 80'sVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • DE1998-11-03
RockPop52002
1.15The Message7:21Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveRage: The Songs Most Chosen by Rage Guest ProgrammersVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
ABC Music (Australian Broadcasting Corporation in-house label)4983162
1.5The Message7:12Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveRockitVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Sony Music TV
1.3The Message7:06Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveThe Best of RapVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
21 261
2.1The Message7:15Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five feat. Melle Mel & Duke BooteeBack to the Old School: Sugar Hill Club ClassicsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • GB1999-01-01
Sequel Records (UK reissue label)NEE CD 307
1.3The Message7:09Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveThe ShowdownVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • US1999-02-02
Rhino (reissue label)R2 75624
1.18The Message7:02Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveUltimate FunkVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • FR1999-07-23
EMI Music France (1994–2013)7243 5 21955 2 7
1.2The Message7:12Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five feat. Melle Mel & Duke BooteeThe Message: The Roots of RapVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • US1999-08-16
Castle Communications (primary imprint of Castle Communications PLC)
1.7The Message7:13Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveAdventures on the Wheels of SteelGrandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveAlbum + Compilation
Sequel Records (UK reissue label)NXT CD 305
1.12The Message7:12Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five feat. Melle Mel & Duke BooteeChuck D Presents Louder Than a BombVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Rhino (reissue label)R2 75873
3.10The Message7:10Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveDisco Classics Of The 70’sVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Euro TrendCD 312.818
3.10The Message7:10Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveDisco HitsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Euro TrendCD 312.818
1.10The Message7:01Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveHitsGrandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveAlbum + Compilation
Flashback Records (reissue label, subsidiary of Rhino)R2 75957
1.5The Message7:09Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveThe Hip Hop YearsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Sony Music (global brand, excluding JP, owned by Sony Music Entertainment)MOODCD66
1.2The Message7:12Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five feat. Melle Mel & Duke BooteeThe Message: The Roots of RapVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Castle PiePIESD 050
1.15The Message7:10Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveBlack Classics PartyVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • DE2000-12-01
Polystar (Germany)560 944-2
1.11The Message7:06Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveDance Classics, Volume 7 & 8Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Universal TV (Netherlands & Belgium)560 647-2
2.1The Message7:10Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveNo.1 Hits of Three DecadesVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Millenium ("Millenium Collection" compilations)204047-304
1.11The Message7:09Grandmaster Flash and the Furious FiveOpen Ends: Musical Exploration in New York (1960 to 2000)Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Museum MusicMM111
1.20Message (12″ single version)7:00Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveSay It Loud! A Celebration of Black Music in AmericaVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • US2001-10-02
Rhino (reissue label)76786
1.11The Message7:15Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveAll Music Guide: Before They Were Jiggy (Early Rap)Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Medalist Entertainment
1.4The Message7:09Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveMcMusic Break BoxVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
McMusic ANSMcCD 119
2.4The Message7:10Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveElectro Breakdance: The Real Old School RevivalVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2002-01-31
Telstar TVTTVCD3240
2.5The Message7:01Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveBack to the Old Skool: Hip HopVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2002-02-25
Ministry of SoundMOSCD 32
1.7The Message7:12Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveThe MessageGrandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveAlbum
  • GB2002-09-30
Castle Music (subsidiary of Sanctuary Records Group Ltd.)CMRCD575
1.2The Message7:07Grandmaster FlashNova Classics ThreeVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • FR2002-10-07
Nova Records (French reissue production label, by Radio Nova)3078382
1.3The Message7:10Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveGrand Theft Auto: Vice City, Volume 5: Wildstyle Pirate RadioVarious ArtistsAlbum + Soundtrack
  • US2002-10-29
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)EK 87006
1.3The Message7:10Grandmaster Flash + The Furious FiveGrand Theft Auto: Vice City, Volume 5: Wildstyle Pirate RadioVarious ArtistsAlbum + Soundtrack
  • XE2002-10-29
Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)EPC 510062 2
5.3The Message7:10Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveGrand Theft Auto: Vice City: Official Soundtrack Box SetVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation + Soundtrack
  • XE2002-10-29
Rockstar Games, Epic (US label founded by CBS in 1953, now owned by Sony)5100642000, EPC 510064 2
1.7Message7:13Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveSounds of the 70s: 70s Party PartyVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Time–Life MusicTL X02/01
1.3The Message7:09Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveThe Sugar Hill Hip-Hop Box SetVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Castle Music (subsidiary of Sanctuary Records Group Ltd.)CMETD614
1.3The Message7:12Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveSlammin’: The Ultimate Rap HitsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • US2003-05-27
Time–Life MusicM18894
1.1The Message7:10Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveHip Hop Don't Stop: The Ultimate SelectionVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2003-08-18
Virgin TVVTDCDX 573
1.5The Message7:12Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five featuring Melle Mel & Duke BooteeThe Hip Hop BoxVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • US2004-04-20
Hip‐O Records440 069 588-2
2.16The Message7:10Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveSynth & ElectroVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Sony Music Special Products989448-2
1.5The Message7:07Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveThe History of Hip Hop 2Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Universal Music B.V. (not for release label use! NL subsidiary of UMG)981 456-6
3.1The Message7:13Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five feat Melle Mel & Duke BooteeThe Message: The Story of Sugar Hill RecordsVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
  • GB2005-01-31
Castle Music (subsidiary of Sanctuary Records Group Ltd.)CMXBX1090
1.7The Message7:12Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveThe MessageGrandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveAlbum
  • US2005-02-07
Sugar Hill Records (US late 70s/early 80s rap)
2.1The Message (12″ version)7:15Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveGrand 12‐Inches 2Ben LiebrandAlbum + Compilation + Remix
  • NL2005-04-21
Sony Music Media519885 2000, SMM 519885 2
2.7The Message7:13Grandmaster FlashClassic Cuts Presents: The 12″ Box: 80s, Volume 2Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Music Factory (UK promotional remix service started in 1985)BX046
Promotion
1.1The Message (Original Version)7:11Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five feat. Melle Mel & Duke BooteeThe MessageGrandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveSingle
Sugar Hill Records (US late 70s/early 80s rap)R0 72449-B
1.10The Message7:12Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveA '70s Soul-Funk CollectionVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
Rhino (reissue label)PRCD 400026
1.12The Message7:15Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveBowers & Wilkins EQ*Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
B&W MusicBNWCD001
1.4The Message7:11Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FivePrzekrój Muzyki: Korzenie Hip-HopuVarious ArtistsAlbum + Compilation
EMI Music Poland344591
Bootleg
5.2The Message7:09Grandmaster Flash & The Furious FiveGrand Theft Auto: Vice City Radio (Individual tracks from the stations)Various ArtistsAlbum + Compilation + Soundtrack
  • XW2002-10-29
Rockstar Games
(unknown)
3.16The Message7:09Grandmaster FlashThe Best Disco in TownVarious ArtistsCompilation
Compact Disc Club535 675-2

Relationships

producer:Clifton Chase
Ed Fletcher
performer:The Furious Five
karaoke versions:The Message (instrumental) by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
DJ-mixes:Step Off Megamix by Grandmaster Melle Mel & The Furious Five
The Rockin’ Funky Cold Megamix by Hahnstudios (order: 20)
sampled by:Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down (explicit) by Puff Daddy & the Family feat. Mase
Chapter 13 (Rich Man vs. Poor Man) by Common Sense
Check Yo Self (remix) by Ice Cube
County Line by Coolio
D’Voidofpopniggafiedmegamix by Ice Cube
I Will Survive (Liquid Soul remix) by Chantay Savage
Magic Spells by Crystal Castles
Movement in Still Life by BT
Relève la tête by Big Brother Hakim, Lino, AP, Kamnouze, Blacko, Disiz la Peste, Manu Key, Passi, Habibah, Eloquence, Pit Baccardi, Jerry, Jacky, Busta Flex, Le Rat Luciano, Teddy Corona, Diam’s, Leeroy, Ol’ Kainry, Matt, Kool Shen & Kery James
Teen Pregnancy by Blank Banshee
mash-ups:Bad Message Rising (Creedence Clearwater Revival vs. Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five) (mash-up) by Don Amott King of Country
Daftmaster Flash (Daft Punk vs. Grandmaster Flash) by TigerVegan
Message of Love (Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five vs. XTC) by Go Home Productions
Messages Across the Floor (Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five vs. Jimmy "Bo" Horne) by Jay-R
Oh My God, Fortnite! (interlude) by The Sheep Queen Experiment
Peugeot 205 by The Sheep Queen Experiment
Shining Bright/The Message Mashup by Pretty Lights
The Faith Message (George Michael vs. Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five) (single edit) by DJ Schmolli
The Faith Message (George Michael vs. Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five) by DJ Schmolli
edits:The Message (original mix edit (only verses 3 & 5)) by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
music videos:The Message by Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
part of:Rolling Stone Magazine’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time (as at 2016-06-10) (number: 51) (order: 51)
The Rolling Stone Magazine’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time: 2021 edition (number: 59) (order: 59)
recording of:The Message

The Message

writer:Edward Fletcher
Jiggs Chase
Melvin Glover (Melvin Glover aka Melle Mel)
Sylvia Robinson
publisher:IQ Music Ltd.
is the basis for:Cabinet Battle #1 (Hamilton: An American Musical)
Movement in Still Life
The Message
The Next Ones to Come