Wee Papa Girl Rappers star Samantha Lawrence has died aged 55 following a tragic cancer battle, her family announced on Thursday.
The legendary 80s hip hop singer Samantha Lawrence passed away on Sunday after losing her second cancer diagnosis.
The hitmaker, Samantha Lawrence also known as her stage name TY Tim, and her 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, aka TY Tim, was known for her chart success with Wee Papa Girl Rappers, a hip-hop pop duo that she founded with her older sister Sandra Lawrence, aka Total S.’
Former BBC Radio 1 DJ Dave Pearce and close friend of Samantha led the tributes following the sad news of her passing.
He wrote: ‘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.’
Sandra confirmed 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: ‘Very sad news to read. My condolences to Ty Tim’s family and friends’,
‘Such sad news. For reasons I can’t explain Wee Rule is one of the songs I always listen to on my walk to and from the supermarket every weekend. Will feel very poignant on Saturday God bless her’,
‘Carefree beautiful fun’,
‘RIP Young lady’.