Big Bank Hank, a member of the Sugarhill Gang, died Tuesday, Nov. 11, after losing his battle to cancer, his manager David Mallie confirmed to CNN. He was 57.
The rapper, whose real name was Henry Jackson, passed away early Tuesday morning in Englewood, N.J. Big Bank Hank was one of three members of the Sugarhill Gang, which made hip-hop mainstream in 1979 with their hit "Rapper's Delight."
The song itself was the first rap ever to reach the Top 40 on the Billboard 200 chart. Jackson's most memorable lines in "Rapper's Delight" included: "Ho-tel, mo-tel, Holiday Inn / If your girl starts acting up, then you take her friend," and "They say that miracles never cease, I’ve created a devastating masterpiece."
After the success of "Rapper's Delight," the group went on to release five studio albums.
Big Bank Hank's surviving Sugarhill Gang members Wonder Mike (Michael Anthony Wright) and Master Gee (Guy O'Brien) issued a statement to CNN, mourning the loss of their longtime friend. "So sad to hear about our brother's passing," they said Tuesday.
"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."
