Remembering Gwendolyn 'Blondy' Chisolm, Pioneering Female Hip-Hop Artist

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Gwendolyn 'Blondy' Chisolm, a founding member of the pioneering female hip-hop group The Sequence, has passed away at the age of 66. Chisolm and her group were instrumental in breaking down gender barriers in the male-dominated rap scene, with their 1979 hit 'Funk You Up' becoming the first chart-topping single by a female hip-hop act. Her life and legacy will be celebrated through a forthcoming memoir and a permanent exhibit at the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville.

Why it matters

Chisolm and The Sequence's success challenged gender norms in the hip-hop industry and paved the way for future generations of female artists. Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of diversity and representation in music.

The details

The Sequence, consisting of Chisolm, Cheryl 'The Pearl' Cook, and the late Angie Stone, found their big break in the late 1970s when they auditioned for Sylvia Robinson, the CEO of Sugar Hill Records, backstage at a Sugarhill Gang concert. Their 1979 hit 'Funk You Up' not only topped the charts but also became a cultural phenomenon, with its iconic beats and lyrics being sampled by artists like Dr. Dre, En Vogue, and Erykah Badu.

• The Sequence was formed in the late 1970s.
• The group's breakthrough hit 'Funk You Up' was released in 1979.
• Gwendolyn 'Blondy' Chisolm passed away in 2026 at the age of 66.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Chisolm's memoir, which she was working on at the time of her death, is expected to offer an intimate glimpse into her life and the evolution of female rap. Additionally, the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville is creating a permanent exhibit celebrating The Sequence's legacy, ensuring that the group's impact is recognized and remembered for generations to come.