Samantha Lawrence, half of the UK hip-hop duo Wee Papa Girl Rappers, has died at the age of 55. Her family announced the news, revealing that she passed away peacefully in London following a recent diagnosis of secondary cancer.
Samantha, known as TY Tim, gained fame alongside her sister Sandra, also known as Total S, with their hit single “Wee Rule,” which reached No. 6 on the UK singles chart in 1988. The sisters initially started their careers as backup singers for Feargal Sharkey before signing with Jive Records, navigating the challenging landscape of the UK’s hip-hop scene during the late 1980s.
The duo also contributed to the theme tune for the popular show “Jim’ll Fix It” but parted ways in 1991 after their second album, Jive, Be Aware, failed to chart. In 2023, they appeared in the BBC documentary series First Ladies of Hip-Hop, where Samantha reflected on their upbringing in London and their journey into the music industry.
DJ Dave Pearce, who worked with the duo, praised Samantha as a trailblazer among British female rappers. He noted, “Sam was part of a defining and groundbreaking era,” recognizing her impact on the music scene and her infectious positive energy.
Samantha Lawrence is remembered for her contributions to music and her role in inspiring future generations of artists. The hip-hop community mourns her loss while celebrating her legacy alongside her sister and daughter, KeeKee.
