Rap Pioneer Jimmy Spicer has lost his battle with cancer. He was 61 years old.
Jimmy Spicer took the rap game by storm back in the early 1980s after releasing his hit song “Money (Dollar Bill Y’all).” Soon after in 1985, he signed with Russell Simmons under Rush Management. He subsequently released “This Is It”/”Beat The Clock” on Def Jam Recordings. However, it was his first track, the 15-minute “Adventures of Super Rhyme (Rap)” that cemented his rap icon status. It is praised as one of the first rap songs to make use of the art of storytelling.
News of the rapper’s illness first broke back in 2018 when he shared with the world that he was living with cancer. The rapper, unfortunately, had to reach out to the public to request financial aid to pay for his cancer treatments. Jimmy is hailed by many as a true rap icon and legend, and his footprint goes way back in rap history.
The music community experienced a significant loss on September 27th when he sadly passed away at a hospital in Brooklyn. Jimmy left behind five children; four daughters and one son. His daughter explained that he passed away as a result of complications linked to cancer of his lungs and brain. There has been a huge outpouring of tributes from his fans, friends, and family members.
One of his daughters posted a beautiful photo of him walking her down the aisle, and the post was sweetly captioned, “Rest in Peace Dad aka the legendary Jimmy Spicer aka SuperRhyes thank you for your legacy..Of all of the things you’ve done thank u for being these for the most important moments #jimmyspicer #ripjimmyspicer #superrhymes #ripsuperrhymes.”
We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. He will be greatly missed.
This man Jimmy Spicer, The Legend, The Pioneer, The man that had one of the best ears for beats because these 3 singles were incredible “Super Rhymes”, “The Bubble Bunch” (which I used to make The Bus A Bus on my… https://t.co/4zWcbsJhUF
— Busta Rhymes (@BustaRhymes) September 30, 2019
RIP to my solo MC brother, #JimmySpicer. His hip hop record, Super Rhymes, was a 1980 hit! (The intro was ???). Thank you for your early contribution to hip hop Jimmy and love, prayers and condolences to his family! #hiphop #jimmyspicer #superrhymes #oldschoolhiphop pic.twitter.com/jtio57YSzT
— MC Debbie D (@MCDebbieD) September 28, 2019
All due respect to the almighty Jimmy “Super Rhymes” slash “Dolla Dolla Bill Y’all” slash “Bubble Bunch” Spicer. Hip Hop Pioneer & MC Extraordinaire #JimmySpicer https://t.co/bj6rKtphRM
— Questlove from @SongsThatShook Oct 13th @AMC_tv (@questlove) September 28, 2019
Rest In Power Jimmy Spicer. Bubba Bunch opened the doors for me, Super Rhymes converted me to the church and Dollar Bill kept me in the congregation, Thanks for the music and helping convert me to the fellowship of Hip Hop. My condolences to his family and closest friends.
— Dante Ross (@DanteRoss) September 28, 2019
R.I.P. Jimmy Spicer ??
“Super Rhymes Rap” was one of the first rap songs I memorized. His other hits “The Bubble Bunch” and “Dollar Bill Yall” we’re certified 1980s Classics in my hood. I was fortunate to meet him… https://t.co/KyuqThhj88— Masta Ace (@mastaace) September 28, 2019
Rest In Beats Jimmy Spicer ( Here Superrhymin at Awesome2 anniversary event not long ago ) ?@hiphopgods? pic.twitter.com/yLutVhFTns
— Chuck D (@MrChuckD) September 29, 2019