Big Bank Hank of Sugarhill Gang Has Passed Away

Big Bank Hank of pioneering hip-hop act Sugarhill Gang has passed away at the age of 57. TMZ is reporting Big Bank Hank had been battling cancer, and that he “passed away in the greater NYC area around 2 AM.” Sugarhill Gang are best known for 1979’s “Rapper’s Delight,” a song widely recognized for its role in hip-hop’s origins. In a statement to TMZ, Sugarhill Gang cohorts Wonder Mike and Master Gee responded to Hank’s passing with, “so sad to hear of our brother’s passing. Rest in peace Big Bank.”