Sugar Hill Heirs Guilty Of Tax Evasion

The three sons of Sugar Hill Records founders Joe and Sylvia Robinson pleaded guilty to tax evasion charges March 29 in New Jersey federal court.

The U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey said Joseph Robinson Jr., Leland Robinson and Rhondo Robinson admitted they didn’t file tax returns from 2005 through 2008, which adds up to nearly $1.3 million.

The brothers’ main income was said to be from label royalties and as copyright administrators to different artists.

The Sugar Hill label, founded in 1979, was best known for bringing rap to the masses starting with The Sugar Hill Gang and its hit “Rapper’s Delight.” The roster expanded to include acts such as Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five.

The Robinsons each face up to two years in prison and $200,000 fine, and repaying back taxes and penalties, at their July 10 sentencing.