Rapper Bushwick Bill Passes Away Age 52

Rapper Bushwick Bill has sadly passed away at the age of 52.

The star’s representative confirmed to TMZ  that the legendary rapper passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer. 

Bill’s son, Javon, revealed that the G.E.T.O rapper passed away at 9:35PM in Houston on Sunday. 

His father’s last words were, “I will love you forever.”

The 3ft 8in rapper – whose real name is Richard Stephen Shaw – was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in February. 

He was undergoing undergoing intensive chemotherapy and planned to continue touring. 

However he recently had a falling out with tour organizers, as he felt that they were exploiting his cancer diagnosis to sell tickets. 

He took particular offence to the mini-tour’s title, “The Beginning of a Long Goodbye: The Final Farewell.”

The tour was soon cancelled.

Bushwick Bill’s death comes after the rapper’s family publicly denied initial reports he died earlier on Sunday. 

Bill’s son claimed his father was still with us, but “fighting for his life” via social media. 

Writing on Instagram, he shared: “Contrary to what has been prematurely, insensitively, and inaccurately posted/reported – My dad IS NOT dead, he’s still alive and fighting for his life.”

“He needs your continued prayers and support. Certain people have been so quick to write him off as dead so they can capitalize off it, and it’s messed up because yall really think these people care about him.”

“There is no Geto Boys without Bushwick Bill. Please repost to help combat the fake news. Thank you @tmz_tv & @realdawn_p for the updated report.”

“On behalf of the family we’re requesting privacy until further notice. #news #bushwickbill #chuckwick #getoboys.”

Since confirmation of his untimely death, social media has been flooded with tributes to the late rapper.

Rapper Bun B wrote on Twitter: “April 7. The last time I saw him. He was, is and will always be a legend. God bless his soul and his family. There will never be another. RIP Bushwick Bill.”

Juicy J, Questlove, Killer Mike and others also tweeted their condolences. 

Bushwick Bil was born with dwarfism.

He first performed under the moniker Little Billy and joined the Geto Boys in 1986 following a stint as the group’s dancer.  

In the summer of 1991, Shaw shot himself in the eye during an argument with his girlfriend, losing his right eye in the process.  

His publicist told TMZ a public memorial is currently being planned.