Big Bank Hank, of Sugarhill Gang, Dies at 57

Big Bank Hank, of pioneering group Sugarhill Gang, best known for delivering memorable lines in the group’s seminal hit “Rapper’s Delight,” has died. He was 57 years old.

Reports state that Big Bank Hank, born Henry Jackson, succumbed to cancer. The Sugarhill Gang member helped usher rap music into America’s mainstream popular culture with “Rapper’s Delight,” perhaps the most well-known rap song in history. The lines he delivered are some of the more memorable from the song, and have helped ensure that the song, and the group’s legacy, has not been forgotten over the years.

According to David Mallie, who manages the other members of the group, Wonder Mike and Master Gee, Big Bank Hank’s passing was due to kidney problems brought on by his bout with cancer.

We will provide more information as it comes available.