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'Rap Was Discovered In My Pizzeria,' Englewood Owner Says

ENGLEWOOD, N.J. — Crispy Crust Pizza Shop Owner Craig Colombo is quick to point out that rap music was discovered in his Englewood pizzeria.

Crispy Crust Pizza Shop Owner Craig Colombo poses with a photo of Singer-Songwriter and Englewood local Regina Belle.

Crispy Crust Pizza Shop Owner Craig Colombo poses with a photo of Singer-Songwriter and Englewood local Regina Belle.

Photo Credit: Arthur Augustyn
Colombo said his specialty pies, like this chicken bacon and ranch, or the cajun chicken seen on the right, are his most popular items.

Colombo said his specialty pies, like this chicken bacon and ranch, or the cajun chicken seen on the right, are his most popular items.

Photo Credit: Arthur Augustyn

The Sugarhill Gang, an Englewood-based group, is credited with creating the first rap song, Rapper's Delight, in his Palisade Avenue shop.

Founding member Henry Lee Jackson was working at Crispy Crust when he performed a portion of Rapper's Delight in the pizzeria.

"He performed it right here on the spot," Colombo said. From there, it was history.

Colombo is happy to share the story of rap's invention in his humble shop. A Staten Island resident, he said he's happy to commute to Englewood and be a member of the city's history and community. 

Crispy Crust Pizza Shop is located at 44 W. Palisade Ave.

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