Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five - It's Nasty (Genius Of Love)

When Hip-Hop first began fusing with the broader currents of pop and new wave, records like It’s Nasty (Genius of Love) led the charge. Released in 1981, this 7-inch captures Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five at a moment of bold experimentation — blending downtown cool with Bronx-born rhythm science.
Built around the instantly recognizable groove from Tom Tom Club’s Genius of Love, the track rides a rubbery, infectious bassline and bright, minimalist synth stabs that give it a sleek, futuristic sheen. The beat feels lighter and more dance-pop oriented than some of the group’s harder-edged material, but it still knocks with early Hip-Hop authority. The fusion works because the groove leaves space — and The Furious Five fill that space with charisma.
The vocal interplay is the highlight. Melle Mel, Scorpio, Kid Creole, and the crew trade lines with precision and swagger, their flows rhythmic and theatrical in equal measure. There’s a playful confidence here — braggadocious, stylish, and unapologetically fun. The hook locks in quickly, and once it does, it’s impossible not to move.
On 7-inch vinyl, the song’s punchy arrangement feels especially sharp. The format trims any excess and delivers the track’s dancefloor appeal in a tight, DJ-friendly package. The flip side version (depending on the pressing) often lets the groove stretch out or refocus, underscoring just how forward-thinking the production was at the time.
It’s Nasty (Genius of Love) stands as an early example of Hip-Hop’s sampling ingenuity and its willingness to cross boundaries. Slick, vibrant, and undeniably influential, it’s a snapshot of rap stepping confidently into the wider pop landscape — and a must-have 7-inch for collectors who appreciate the genre’s formative years.