Big Bank Hank of the Sugarhill Gang died Tuesday, losing his battle with cancer at 57.

RIP Big Bank Hank

Hank, born Henry Jackson, and the Sugarhill Gang are widely regarded as pioneers in the music industry, and could be credited with taking hip hop to the mainstream nearly 35 years ago with their hit “Rapper’s Delight.”

Hank’s bandmates, Wonder Mike and Master Gee issued a statement on Tuesday, saying, “So sad to hear about our brother’s passing. The three of us created musical history together with the release of ‘Rapper’s Delight.’ We will always remember traveling the world together and rocking the house. Rest in peace Big Bank.”

In an interview with Tha Dee Jay 360 , Master Gee said that he would “always love” Big Bank Hank, a sentiment Wonder Mike echoed, saying, “If I had Hank in front of me right now, I would say thanks for the memories; for being part of this group…I would also say thank you brother for all the amusing tall tales. Thanks for the memories, thanks for just being there even when we butted heads. You know that’s what brothers do and I would just say, ‘Thank you.’”

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Article by Olivia Truffaut-Wong

Olivia Truffaut-Wong was born and raised in Berkeley, California, where she developed her love of all things entertainment. After moving to New York City to earn her degree in Film Studies, she stayed on the East Coast to follow her passion and become an entertainment writer. She lives on a diet of television, movies and food.