Wee Papa Girl Rappers’ Samantha Lawrence has died at 55 years old.
The hip-hop scene has lost a pioneer as Samantha, also known by her stage name TY Tim, of the iconic duo Wee Papa Girl Rappers, which she formed with her sister Sandra (Total S), died following a secondary cancer diagnosis this year. Their smash hit ‘Wee Rule’ dominated the UK charts in the late 80s.
The family released a statement saying: “It is with great sadness that we announce that beloved sister and mother Samantha Lawrence passed away on Sunday.” Sandra shared that her younger sister had passed away peacefully in London.
DJ Dave Pearce remembered Samantha fondly, commenting: “Sam was part of a defining and groundbreaking era of trailblazing British female rappers who against the odds conquered the UK charts alongside the likes of Cookie Crew.”
He went on to recall the energetic atmosphere the sisters created: “It was a really exciting time for me and always a pleasure to work with them on my Radio London hip-hop show back in the day, their positive energy was infectious.”
Pearce highlighted their musical versatility: “Always keen to experiment, they fused dancehall with reggae with Wee Rule and stepped into the house arena courtesy of Kevin Saunderson’s remix of Heat It Up.”
Concluding his tribute, he said: “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.” His final words were a thoughtful send-off: “Thoughts with her sister Sandra and daughter KeeKee. Rest In Peace.”The family has requested to be left alone “at this devastatingly sad time”.
Wee Papa Girls Rappers found their name Wee Papa from the Saint Lucia French Creole expression ‘Oui Papa’, which their dad used a lot. They found chart success in the late 80s. Before signing to Jive Records, they were backing singers for Feargal Sharkey. Sandra and Samantha are best known for the single Wee Rule, which reached number six on the UK Singles Chart in October, 1988.
Their single, Heat it Up featuring 2 Men and a Drum Machine, reached number 21 on the UK Singles Chart in June 1988. The duo released two albums on Jive Records before first splitting up in early 1991. A later reunion as The Wee Papas had limited returns.
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