Big Bank Hank of Sugarhill Gang dies
Big Bank Hank, a member of the Sugarhill Gang, has died. He was 57.
Aree Booker, a funeral director with Eternity Funeral Services in Englewood, New Jersey, confirmed his death to The Associated Press.
David Mallie, who manages the two surviving Sugarhill Gang members, told TMZ that the rapper (born Hank Jackson) died Tuesday in Englewood, New Jersey, following complications from cancer.
Sugarhill bandmates "Wonder Mike" Wright and Guy "Master Gee" O'Brien released a statement saying, "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."
Born in The Bronx, New York, Big Bank Hank was also known as Imp the Dimp.
The Sugarhill Gang scored a hit with "Rapper's Delight" in 1979. It marked the first mainstream rap hit. The trio released a total of five studio albums.
Tributes began pouring out on Twitter Tuesday:
You were one of the guys who inspired me to touch the Mic. Rip Big Bank Hank. #ThankYou. #Tears http://t.co/CRdpjPLBB8
— GOAT. (@llcoolj) November 11, 2014Ghostwritten or not, we can't deny #BigBankHank's place in hip hop history. Who Haa he kept us all in check http://t.co/LIZ2LmRJPR respect.
— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) November 11, 2014RIP: Big Bank Hank (Member of The Sugarhill Gang) Passes Away http://t.co/sT7hRMvrNn http://t.co/4YdQK4P2HW
— Funk Flex !!!!! (@funkflex) November 11, 2014R.I.P. Big Bank Hank. One third of the song that made all of this Hip Hop Music possible. Thanx for opening the door. http://t.co/yrXx9dBo8M
— Dark Gable (@bigdaddykane) November 11, 2014