Samantha Lawrence, one-half of the iconic UK hip-hop duo Wee Papa Girl Rappers, has passed away at the age of 55.
In a heartfelt statement, her family shared the news: “It is with great sadness we announce that beloved sister and mother Samantha Lawrence passed away on Sunday.” Known affectionately as TY Tim, Samantha performed alongside her sister Sandra, also known as Total S, forming a trailblazing duo that left an indelible mark on the British rap scene.
Sandra Lawrence confirmed that Samantha passed away peacefully in London after battling secondary cancer earlier this year. The Wee Papa Girl Rappers rose to prominence in the 1980s, becoming known for their vibrant energy and unique fusion of hip-hop and dancehall sounds.
Their most famous hit, Wee Rule, climbed to number six on the UK Singles Chart in October 1988. The song’s playful schoolgirl rhymes set against a backdrop of dancehall rhythms resonated widely, securing the duo’s place in British music history.
The sisters were part of a wave of groundbreaking British female rap artists in the late 1980s, alongside acts like Cookie Crew and Monie Love. Before forming Wee Papa Girl Rappers, the duo had served as backing singers for Feargal Sharkey.
Their bold transition into the rap world led to the release of two albums: The Beat, the Rhyme, the Noise in 1988 and Be Aware in 1990. However, their time as a duo was relatively short-lived, as they disbanded in 1991, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.
Tributes poured in following Samantha’s passing, with DJ Dave Pearce, who worked with the duo during their peak, describing her as a vital figure in British hip-hop. “Samantha was part of a defining and groundbreaking era of trailblazing British female rappers who, against the odds, conquered the UK charts,” he said.
Pearce remembered her as a joy to work with, praising the duo’s infectious positive energy and noting how their success paved the way for others. “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,” he added.
Wee Papa Girl Rappers remain a symbol of empowerment and creativity in the history of British rap. Samantha Lawrence’s contributions to music will not be forgotten, as fans and fellow artists continue to celebrate her life and legacy.
Her work, alongside her sister Sandra, broke barriers and opened doors for women in the male-dominated world of rap, leaving an enduring influence on the genre.
