Grandmaster Flash's 1981 single 'The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheels of Steel' is widely regarded as a pivotal moment in hip hop history, as it was the first record built entirely from turntable technique rather than session musicians or rappers. The track emerged after the DJ, born Joseph Saddler, pushed back against Sugarhill Records boss Sylvia Robinson, who had initially insisted on using live bands to replicate hip hop beats in the studio; she eventually relented and let him "do my own thing."

Using three turntables, Flash cut together at least nine recognisable records into a single continuous mix, showcasing techniques such as cutting, cueing, spinning and scratching. Signed to Sugarhill Records after impressing Robinson, dubbed 'The Good Queen' of the label following the success of the Sugarhill Gang's 'Rapper's Delight', Flash and his group the Furious Five went on to release 'The Message' in 1982, but this earlier solo turntable showcase is credited with setting the technical standard that shaped generations of DJs who followed.