#FMTrends: Legends Pay Respects to Geto Boys Founding Member Bushwick Bill

On Sunday, June 9th Bushwick Bill, a founding member of Houston rap group, Geto Boys died at age 52. Born as Richard Shaw, the Jamaican born artist moved to Brooklyn, New York as a child. Later he moved to Houston, where he started his career as an emcee. Even though small in stature due to his dwarfism, he rose to prominence, alongside rappers Willie D, and Scarface in one of the most riveting rap groups during hip hops golden era.

Earlier this year Bushwick was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He later shared the news of his illnesses on May 1st to TMZ. During his final tour with the group, Bill was forced to cancel the rest of his shows after being hospitalized for pneumonia which he stated to his fans came from undergoing chemotherapy. Earlier on the day of his passing false reports spread that Bushwick had died that morning. The rapper’s publicist, Dawn P, made a statement to Rolling Stone providing context to what took place on Sunday. “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.” Legendary artists and groups including Biz Markie, Talib Kweli, Cypress Hill and more have come out on Twitter to publicly pay their respects.

The hip hop community will remember Bushwick Bill for being a pioneer of southern rap. They will remember his talent as a vivid storyteller, exemplified in songs such as “Mind Playing Tricks On Me” and “Ever So Clear”. They will remember how forthright he was about mental health issues, challenges that he and other minorities faced, and how the world could be a better place.