Bushwick Bill dead: Geto Boys rapper dies aged 52
The artist was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer earlier this year
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Your support makes all the difference.Bushwick Bill, one of the founding members of American rap group Geto Boys, has died, aged 52.
Bill’s publicist confirmed in a statement that the artist died at a Colorado hospital on Sunday (9 June) surrounded by his family.
The publicist had earlier that day denied reports that Bill had died from cancer, saying that the rapper had been placed on a ventilator. They later confirmed that Bill had died.
“We are looking into doing a public memorial at a later date,” the statement continued. ”His family appreciates all of the prayers and support and are asking for privacy at this time.”
Bill – real name Richard Shaw – was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer earlier this year. Revealing the diagnosis on Instagram this May, he wrote: ”I’m going to fight this cancer. And with your support and prayers, I’m gonna beat it too.”
Later in the month, Bill shared an image of himself in a hospital bed and revealed that he was suffering from complications after undergoing chemotherapy treatments.
Bill was an original member of the pioneering group Geto Boys, along with Scarface and Willie D.
They are perhaps best known for their album We Can’t Be Stopped, which features Bill on the cover in a medical gown being wheeled out of a hospital. The rapper had been shot in the eye following an altercation with his girlfriend, and the other group members came to the hospital for their album cover shoot.
Scarface paid tribute to Bill on Instagram, writing: ”RIP Bushwick Bill.” The message was later deleted.
Geto Boys had a fraught history, breaking up and getting back together on multiple occasions. During time spent away from the group, Bill pursued a solo career. He had intended on embarking on a tour later this year named the ”Phuck Cancer” Tour.
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