Raekwon, alongside many other figures in the Hip-Hop community, is mourning the loss of Sacha Jenkins, who passed away suddenly at the age of 54 due to complications from multiple system atrophy, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting the central and autonomic nervous systems. Jenkins was renowned for his impactful contributions to Hip-Hop culture, including his work on the Showtime series Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men.
In an emotional tribute shared on social media, Raekwon expressed his sorrow, saying, “MY MAN HUNIT GRAN! Dam. rest well king! MR. #SACHAJENKINS you will be missed. #historian #father #universalbuilder in the culture. condolences to the family and friends of this great man.”
Jenkins died at his home on May 23, and his wife, journalist Raquel Cepeda, confirmed the cause of death. The family has requested privacy during this challenging time, urging others to refrain from posting about the situation until they have the opportunity to make a formal announcement.
Known as an influential hip-hop journalist, filmmaker, and cultural historian, Jenkins dedicated his career to documenting and elevating Hip-Hop culture through various media. He began his journey by launching one of the first graffiti-focused magazines, Graphic Scenes & Xplicit Language, and co-founded the Hip-Hop newspaper Beat Down as well as the notable magazine Ego Trip, which uniquely combined Hip-Hop with skateboarding culture. Jenkins’ work in the 1990s later inspired VH1 reality shows like The (White) Rapper Show.
As a filmmaker, Jenkins directed several acclaimed documentaries, including B######’: The Sound and Fury of Rick James, Fresh Dressed, and Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues. His contribution to the Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men documentary earned him an Emmy, showcasing his prowess in capturing the essence of Hip-Hop history and culture. Jenkins also served as the creative director for Mass Appeal and contributed to major publications such as Vibe, Rolling Stone, and SPIN.
Sacha Jenkins’ legacy as a historian and storyteller in Hip-Hop will be remembered fondly, and his passing marks a significant loss for the culture he so passionately documented and celebrated. As tributes continue to pour in from across the industry, his impact on Hip-Hop and the arts will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.
