Pioneering Local Hip Hop Star Dies of Cancer
Samantha Lawrence was a member of Wee Papa Girl Rappers
Samantha Lawrence in the video for Wee Rule. Picture: YouTube
December 11, 2024
A prominent member of the British hip-hop scene, who grew up in Acton and South Ealing, has died from cancer aged 55.
Samantha Lawrence aka TY Tim, was part of the hip-hop duo Wee Papa Girl Rappers with her sister Sandra, which was best know for its hit Wee Rule which reached number six in the charts in 1988.
They were part of a wave of female rap artists such as the Cookie Crew and Monie Love who had significant success around this time. The duo split in 1991 after having released two albums.
The sisters also performed as backing singers for Feargal Sharkey, and, according to some reports, sang on the theme tune for Jim’ll Fix It.
Samantha’s cancer had recurred earlier this year and she passed away at home on 5 December.
Her sister Sandra released a statement saying, “It is with great sadness that we announce that beloved sister and mother Samantha Lawrence passed away on Sunday.”
DJ Dave Pearce who worked with the sisters said, “Sam was part of a defining and groundbreaking era of trailblazing British female rappers who against the odds conquered the UK charts alongside the likes of Cookie Crew.
“It was a really exciting time for me and always a pleasure to work with them on my ‘Radio London’ hip-hop show back in the day, their positive energy was infectious.
“Always keen to experiment, they fused dancehall with reggae with Wee Rule and stepped into the house arena courtesy of Kevin Saunderson’s remix of ‘Heat it Up’.
“Through her success, Sam will have inspired others to follow their dreams. I’m glad I had the chance to remind her of that recently.
“Thoughts with her sister Sandra and daughter KeeKee. Rest In Peace.”
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