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rapper's lament
Big Bank Hank - founder of the iconic Sugarhill Gang - has died, aged 57
He was, as the song said, “six foot one and tonnes of fun”. 1979′s ‘Rapper’s Delight’ is credited with putting the genre on the map.
NEW YORK RAPPER and founder of the influential ‘Sugarhill Gang’ Big Bank Hank has died at the age of 57 , his manager has confirmed.
According to reports — the performer, whose real name was Henry Jackson, died as a result of kidney problems.
His death was confirmed to Fox News by David Mallie, who manages the group’s two surviving members.
Wonder Mike and Master Gee “had been in contact with him in the past year,” he said.
They had some great times and created history.
The other band members also expressed their condolences, saying they were “so sad to hear of our brother’s passing”.
“Rest in peace Big Bank,” they added.
The group’s epic 1979 track is credited with putting rap music on the map, and was a huge global hit.
The Sugarhills never repeated the success of their iconic hit — but had several more successes in the early 1980s, particularly in Europe.
The song charted again in the UK in 1989.
Here’s a classic, and an updated version of ‘Delight’ — the latter featuring help from the likes of Chic’s Nile Rogers.
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