LOS ANGELES, Nov 12: Henry ‘Big Bank Hank’ Jackson, a member of Sugarhill Gang who is also known as Imp the Dimp, has died. He was 57.
The band’s manager David Mallie confirmed that the rapper died from kidney complications due to cancer, reported TMZ.
Fellow member Michael ‘Wonder Mike’ Wright and Guy ‘Master Gee’ O’Brien expressed their condolences in a statement released.
“So sad to hear of our brother’s passing. The three of us created musical history together with the release of ‘Rapper’s Delight.’ We will always remember travelling the world together and rocking the house. Rest in peace Big Bank.”
Sugarhill Gang popularised hip-hop music with their hit single ‘Rapper’s Delight’ in 1979. Hip-Hop Wired.Com said that ‘Rapper’s Delight’ was not only a catchy hit song, but also was “considered the moment that hip-hop became commercially viable.” (PTI)