Sylvia Robinson was an American singer, songwriter, producer, and record executive whose visionary work shaped modern R&B and hip-hop. Beginning her career as half of the duo Mickey & Sylvia, she scored the hit “Love Is Strange” in 1956 before launching a successful solo career. As the co-founder of Sugar Hill Records, Robinson produced groundbreaking tracks like “Rapper’s Delight” and “The Message,” helping to bring rap music to mainstream audiences. Her soulful artistry and entrepreneurial spirit earned her lasting recognition as the “Mother of Hip-Hop.”