Big Bank Hank Dead, Sugarhill Gang Rapper Dies After Cancer Battle At 57: Wonder Mike, Master Gee & Twitter Fans Offer #RIP Condolences

Reports confirm that popular Sugarhill Gang emcee Big Bank Hank (real name, Henry Jackson) passed away early Tuesday morning (November 11) after a tough battle with cancer. The NYC rapper was 57-years-old.

The Sugarhill Gang was the first-ever hip-hop group to release a hit single... 1979's catchy tune "Rapper's Delight" -

According to the infamous gossip webloid TMZ, Hank died rather peacefully at around 2am in the greater New York City area. Also known as Imp The Dimp, Hank was once deemed "the grandmaster with 3 MCs that shock the house for the young ladies."

Fellow bandmates Wonder Mike and Master Gee said, "So sad to hear of our brother's passing. Rest in peace Big Bank."

Twitter fans also continue offering their #RIP condolences:

@CrookedIntriago: "#RIP Big Bank Hank from Sugarhill Gang.. Rest In Power... Hip Hop Legend... OGz paved the way..."

@llcoolj: "You were one of the guys who inspired me to touch the Mic. Rip Big Bank Hank. #ThankYou. #Tears."

@elprezdeLA: "#RIP to Big Bank Hank from the Sugarhill Gang. Pay ya respects people."

@CJStarchild: "RIP Big Bank Hank, who had the dopest verse on Apache and it's not even close."

@FreshC: "RIP Big Bank Hank. Thank you for all you did for the culture. 'Rappers Delight' still gets heavy rotation from me."

@gothamgreen: "RIP to Big Bank Hank, do ur research if that name means nothing to u."

@jbirdrse: "Sugar Hill Gang played a major role in my introduction to rap music. RIP Big Bank Hank."

@fakeshoredrive: "Big Bank Hank is one of the best rap stage names, forever and always. #RIP."

@kingrandae: "#rip big bank hank from sugar hill gang... legends."

@CAPRICORNxKING: "damn, RIP Big Bank Hank."

Feel free to leave your memories of Big Bank Hank in the comments section below.