Wee Papa Girl Rappers Member Samantha Lawrence Dies at 55

Samantha Lawrence, a member of the British hip-hop group Wee Papa Girl Rappers, has passed away at the age of 55. Her family released a statement, announcing “with great sadness we announce that beloved sister and mother Samantha Lawrence passed away on Sunday”. The British female rap act, consisting of sisters Sandra and Samantha, who were also known by their stage names TY Tim and Total S, gained recognition in the music industry. Sandra confirmed that Samantha died peacefully in London following a diagnosis of secondary cancer earlier this year. The rap group gained prominence in the 1980s and is most recognized for their successful track “Wee Rule,” which peaked at number six on the UK singles chart in October 1988. This song combines schoolgirl rhymes with dancehall rhythms. Wee Papa Girl Rappers were among a group of British female rap artists who emerged in the late 1980s, alongside acts such as Cookie Crew and Monie Love. The sisters from London had previously worked as backing vocalists for Feargal Sharkey before forming their own ensemble. They released two albums, “The Beat, the Rhyme, the Noise” in 1988 and “Be Aware” in 1990, prior to their disbandment in 1991. DJ Dave Pearce, who collaborated with the pair, offered a tribute to Samantha, stating she was “part of a defining and ground-breaking era of trailblazing British female rappers who against the odds conquered the UK charts”. He further remarked that it was a “pleasure to work with” the duo and that “their positive energy was infectious”. Pearce concluded, “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.”