Geto Boys’ Bushwick Bill dies aged 52

The Jamaican-born rapper passed away peacefully in his home on 9 June.

Bushwick Bill, co-founder of the pioneering rap group Geto Boys, has died from stage 4 pancreatic cancer. False reports were initially published early on Sunday (9 June), and in response his family confirmed the artist was “still alive and fighting cancer” in hospital. He died later on Sunday night.

A statement reads: “Bushwick Bill passed away peacefully this evening at 9:35 p.m. He was surrounded by his immediate family. There were incorrect previous reports that he had passed away this morning. We are looking into doing a public memorial at a later date. His family appreciates all of the prayers and support and are asking for privacy at this time.”

The rapper recently revealed that he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February. A Geto Boys reunion tour was due to begin in Pontiac, Michigan, on 24 May but was later cancelled as the Houston-based artist felt that promoters were exploiting his illness. He also felt the title of the tour, named The Beginning of a Long Goodbye: The Final Farewell, made him appear to be on his deathbed. According to TMZ, he was planning a 20-date solo tour called Phuck Cancer instead.

Richard Stephen Shaw, better known by his stage name Bushwick Bill, was born in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1966. He joined the Texas rap group Geto Boys in 1986 as a dancer named Little Billy. He later moved into the role of a rapper instead, and became a member of the second incarnation of Geto Boys alongside Scarface and Willie D.

Tributes have been pouring in for the late artist. Read them below.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

#RIP Bushwick Bill. Geto Boys 4 Life!!!!

A post shared by LENARD (@cthagod) on

ADVERTISEMENTS