Leopard-Patterned Jacket Formerly Owned by Rahiem of Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five

Like other Old School Hip-Hop groups, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five had elaborate stage costumes highlighted by flashy custom-made leathers, rhinestones, furs and tassels. The group’s onstage dress reflected the Glam/Funk/Sci-fi fashions that were popularized in the 1970s by Funk musicians Rick James (b. 1948) and George Clinton (b. 1941).   

Grandmaster Flash and The Furious 5 expanded the culture of Hip-Hop across the globe with their rapping and DJing skills. Making their debut as a group that performed for local parties in the Bronx then the world, the Furious 5 included Grandmaster Flash (Joseph Saddler, b. 1958), Melle Mel (Melvin Glover, b.1961), his brother The Kidd Creole (Nathaniel Glover, b.1960), Keef Cowboy (Robert Keith Wiggins, b. 1960-1989), Mr. Ness a.k.a. Scorpio (Eddie Morris, b. 1960) and Rahiem (Guy Williams, b.1963) from the Funky 4+1 more. The group is widely regarded as one of the greatest Hip-Hop groups of all time and was the first Hip-Hop group inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2007. With hits like, “Freedom”, “Birthday Party” and “The Message”, Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five stood out as a unique group due to their ability to finish each other’s rhymes, mixing melodies and harmonies while also being able to keep the crowd hyped and engaged.