Wee Papa Girl Rappers singer Samantha Lawrence dies, age 55

Singer Samantha Lawrence, who performed in UK duo Wee Papa Girl Rappers, has died at the age of 55. Lawrence appeared in the hip-hop group alongside her older sister, Sandra. They reached Number Six in the UK with their 1988 single ‘Wee Rule’, for which they are best known. In a statement, Samantha’s family said (via The Independent): “It is with great sadness that we announce that beloved sister and mother Samantha Lawrence passed away on Sunday [December 1]. “Samantha, aka TY Tim, was known for her chart success with Wee Papa Girl Rappers, a hip-hop pop duo that she founded with her older sister Sandra Lawrence, aka Total S.” [embedded content] Sandra confirmed that Samantha had died peacefully in London after being diagnosed with secondary cancer this year. The family has asked for privacy “at this devastatingly sad time”. In a tribute to the late artist, DJ Dave Pearce – who worked with Wee Papa Girl Rappers – wrote: “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. “It was a really exciting time for me and always a pleasure...