The hip hop world is mourning the loss of TJ Swan, a beloved member of the Juice Crew who passed away at 57.
- Roxanne Shanté first shared the sad news on Instagram, remembering him as the original ‘Bally Silk Shirt King.’
- Swan was known for his soulful hooks on iconic tracks like ‘Nobody Beats the Biz’ and ‘Left Me Lonely.’
- Fellow musicians like Big Daddy Kane and DJ Premier expressed their heartfelt condolences on social media.
- Killer Mike and others celebrated Swan’s legacy, recalling his influence during hip hop’s golden era.
The hip hop community is grappling with the loss of TJ Swan, a cherished member of the Juice Crew, who has passed away at age 57. Roxanne Shanté announced his passing on Instagram, calling him the original ‘Bally Silk Shirt King.’ The cause of his death remains undisclosed.
Swan, whose real name was St. Theron Grant, made his mark as one of hip hop’s first crooners. He lent his signature soulful voice to classics such as Biz Markie’s ‘Nobody Beats the Biz’ and MC Shan’s ‘Left Me Lonely.’ His unique style and talent earned him a revered spot in hip hop history.
Social media has been flooded with tributes to Swan, celebrating his life and contributions to music. Big Daddy Kane shared fond memories, writing, ‘Rest well my good Brother!!! Rocking at a party, Shocking everybody!’ Similarly, DJ Premier praised Swan’s distinctive blend of hip hop and soul, acknowledging his role in making timeless records complete.
The tributes continued with MC Debbie Dee and R.A. The Rugged Man lauding Swan’s memorable voice and significant influence on the genre. Freddie Foxxx simply stated, ‘Salute TJ Swan Forever,’ while Killer Mike remembered Swan’s partnership with Biz Markie, expressing that they are ‘Reunited in Hip Hop Heaven.’
K-Solo reminisced about Swan’s early performances, recalling a standout talent show moment in Central Islip, NY. Swan’s impact was profound, not only through his music but also as a community figure who put Long Island on the map alongside Biz Markie. His legacy is cemented as an iconic voice of hip hop’s golden era.
The music world will forever honor TJ Swan for his unforgettable contributions and enduring influence on hip hop.
