More generational issues; I always thought of "Rappers Delight", as, well, rap. *Everyone* knew Rappers Delight when I was in college. Like (and completely completely OT) Mayor Michael Nutter of Philadelphia, who went to the college I did at the same time I did. A completely straitlaced guy, performing Rappers Delight with Philadelphia's own the Roots at his inauguration. He didn't just learn this, or these moves, for the inauguration, he was doing it back in the day.
http://vimeo.com/35208737
Back on topic, like the Parsons' siblings attempt. I think the ShibSibs would do great with something a little more edgy than MJ...
YMMV, I suppose, but rap and hip-hop are closely related, I would argue.
The Roots are definitely Hip-Hop....so....he did have that going from him.