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Father of rap Big Bank Hank dies

November 12, 2014

A member of the Sugarhill Gang has died in New Jersey. The band paved the way for rap and hip-hop in 1979 with the song "Rapper's Delight."

https://p.dw.com/p/1DlbI
Sugarhill Gang with Big Bank Hank
Image: picture-alliance/dpa

Rap pioneer Henry Jackson, aka Big Bang Hank, a member of the US trio Sugarhill Gang, has died at the age of 57 in New Jersey.

Rolling Stone magazine, quoting Jackson's manager, said he had died of cancer.

Big Bank Hank (pictured above, far right) was born in the Bronx, New York City on August 5, 1957. He was part of the Sugarhill Gang, which became famous in 1979 with the hit song "Rapper's Delight," described as one of the most popular rap songs of all time.

Tributes rolled in on Twitter, with fellow rapper Juicy J tweeting on Tuesday:

Comedian Sinbad tweeted:

The other two members of the band were Master Gee and Wonder Mike. In a statement, they said:

"So sad to hear about our brother's passing, The 3 of us created musical history together with the release of Rapper's Delight. We will always remember traveling the world together and rocking the house. Rest in peace Big Bank."

The Sugarhill Gang only had minor success after "Rapper's Delight." The last album it released was the children's rap album "Jump On It!" in 1999.

sb/lw (dpa, AFP, AP)