Wee Papa Girl Rappers star Samantha Lawrence dies aged 55 after tragic cancer battle as family pay emotional tribute
- Do YOU have a story? Email tips@dailymail.com
Wee Papa Girl Rappers star Samantha Lawrence has passed away at the age of 55 after a tragic battle with cancer, her family announced Thursday.
The legendary ’80s hip-hop singer passed away on Sunday after losing her second cancer diagnosis.
The hitmaker, also known as her stage name TY Tim, and her sister Sandra, also known as Total S, dominated the British charts in the 1980s with their 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, aka TY Tim, was known for her chart success with Wee Papa Girl Rappers, a hip-hop-pop duo she formed with her older sister Sandra Lawrence, aka Total S.”
Former BBC Radio 1 DJ Dave Pearce and close friend of Samantha led the tributes after the sad news of her death.
Wee Papa Girl Rappers star Samantha Lawrence (right) has passed away at the age of 55 after a tragic battle with cancer, her family announced on Thursday (pictured with her sister Sandra)
The legendary ’80s hip-hop singer passed away on Sunday after losing her second cancer diagnosis
He wrote: ‘Sam was part of a defining and groundbreaking era of pioneering British female rappers who conquered the UK charts against all odds alongside the likes of Cookie Crew.
‘It was a very exciting time for me and it was always a pleasure to work with them on my hip-hop show on Radio London at the time, their positive energy was infectious.
‘Always keen to experiment, they merged dancehall with reggae with Wee Rule and entered the house arena thanks to 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.’
Sandra confirmed that Samantha had died peacefully in London this year after a secondary cancer diagnosis, according to the Subway.
The family has asked for privacy ‘at this terribly sad time’.
The hitmaker, also known as her stage name TY Tim, and her sister Sandra, also known as Total S, dominated the British charts in the 1980s with their 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