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Wee Papa Girl Rappers star Samantha Lawrence has died at age 55 after a tragic battle with cancer, her family announced Thursday.
The legendary ’80s hip hop singer passed away Sunday after missing her second cancer diagnosis.
The hitmaker, also known as his stage name TY Tim, and his sister Sandra, also known as Total S, dominated the UK charts in the 1980s with their smash hit Wee Rule.
A statement from the family said: “It is with great sadness that we announce that beloved sister and mother Samantha Lawrence passed away on Sunday.
‘Samantha, also known as TY Tim, was known for her chart success with Wee Papa Girl Rappers, a hip-hop pop duo she founded with her older sister Sandra Lawrence, also known as Total S.’
Former BBC Radio 1 DJ Dave Pearce and close friend of Samantha led the tributes following the sad news of her death.
Wee Papa Girl Rappers star Samantha Lawrence (right) has died at age 55 after a tragic battle with cancer, her family announced Thursday (pictured with her sister Sandra).
The legendary ’80s hip hop singer passed away Sunday after missing her second cancer diagnosis.
He wrote: ‘Sam was part of a defining and groundbreaking era of pioneering British female rappers who, against all odds, took the UK charts by storm alongside the likes of Cookie Crew.
“It was a really exciting time for me and it was always a pleasure to work with them on my Radio London hip-hop show back then, their positive energy was infectious.
‘Always eager to experiment, they fused dancehall with reggae with Wee Rule and entered the house realm courtesy of Kevin Saunderson’s Heat It Up remix.
‘Through his success, Sam will have inspired others to follow their dreams. I’m glad I had the opportunity to remind you recently.
‘Thoughts with his sister Sandra and daughter KeeKee. Rest in peace.’
Sandra confirmed that Samantha had died peacefully in London following a secondary cancer diagnosis this year, according to the Metro.
The family has asked for privacy “at this devastatingly sad time.”
A fan wrote on X: ‘Reading very sad news. My deepest condolences to Ty Tim’s family and friends.
The hitmaker, also known as his stage name TY Tim, and his sister Sandra, also known as Total S, dominated the UK charts in the 1980s with their smash hit Wee Rule (pictured together).
A statement from the family said: “It is with great sadness that we announce that beloved sister and mother Samantha Lawrence passed away on Sunday” (Samantha, left. Pictured with Sandra)
Former BBC Radio 1 DJ Dave Pearce (pictured in 2004) and close friend of Samantha led the tributes following the sad news of her death.
Fans flocked to X to pay tribute to the star.
‘A great example of British urban music. Rest in peace Samantha,
‘What sad news. For reasons I can’t explain, Wee Rule is one of the songs I always listen to on my way to and from the grocery store every weekend. It will feel very moving on Saturday, may God bless you,’
‘Beautiful, carefree fun’,
‘RIP young lady.’