We’re very sad to announce that one of hip hop’s pioneers, Hank Jackson, a.k.a The Sugarhill Gang’s Big Bank Hank, passed away today. He was 57 years young and the cause of his death is believed to be cancer. The other two founding members of the Sugarhill Gang, Michael “Wonder Mike” Wright and Guy “Master Gee” O’Brien said they’re “So sad to hear of our brother’s passing. Rest in peace Big Bank.”

Jackson joined the Sugarhill Gang in the late 70s when producer/Sugarhill Records founder Sylvia Robinson was looking to record a group to capitalize on the then-underground hip-hop movement that was emerging in the streets of every inner city across the U.S. back in the late 70’s. They became known for their 1979 single, “Rapper’s Delight,” which, as we all know, was the first song to officially introduce hip hop to the mainstream. Remember how you couldn’t go NOwhere without hearing Sugar Hill Gang blasting through somebody’s boombox/ghetto blaster, stereo, barbershop, corner store…everywhere?!! Gotta love The Sugarhill Gang for giving us those classic records.

From the ILoveOldSchoolMusic and Gritty Soul Apparel families: May Big Bank Hank rest in peace, while “Rapper’s Delight” continues to burn up the dance floors all over the globe.

Now of course we all remember “Rapper’s Delight,” but we can’t sleep on “8th Wonder” and the rest of those old school Sugar Hill joints. Reminisce with us on these next pages and get your Sugar Hill jam on in honor of the late, great Big Bank Hank…