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Jimmy SpicerAmerican hip-hop artist
Date of Birth: 12.05.1958
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Jimmy Spicer: Pioneer of Hip-Hop
- The Birth of Hip-Hop
- Early Success and Ups and Downs
- Health Struggles and Crowdfunding
- Death and Legacy
- The Birth of "Super Rhyme"
Jimmy Spicer: Pioneer of Hip-Hop
Early Life and InfluencesJimmy Bromley "Super Rhyme" Spicer was born on May 12, 1958 (or May 30, according to Hip Hop 101A), in Brooklyn, New York. Raised in the diverse neighborhood of Flatbush, Spicer was a bright but rebellious student, expelled from several schools. According to Hip Hop 101A, he was once "asked to leave" after leaving a bag of feces on a radiator in the middle of winter.
The Birth of Hip-Hop
During the embryonic days of hip-hop, Spicer emerged as a pioneer. Performing under the alias MC Morp in the 1970s, he is credited with coining the term "hip-hop." According to his own account, he would declare, "I'm MC Morp, I do hip-hop for you," whenever he took to the stage. However, the term is more commonly attributed to rapper and DJ Lovebug Starski.
Early Success and Ups and Downs
Spicer released a string of old-school hip-hop singles in the late 1970s and 1980s, including "Dollar Bill Y'all." His single "Adventures of Super Rhyme" became a popular hit, but it was "Dollar Bill Y'all" that would become the most successful of his short career.
Signed to Russell Simmons' Rush Management, Spicer gained further recognition with the 1980s track "Bubble Bunch." Despite promises of a successful comeback, his career faltered due to what he described as Simmons' lack of management support. "He disappeared when he was supposed to supervise," Spicer stated, adding that he held no ill will towards Simmons, who remained his friend.
Health Struggles and Crowdfunding
In 2018, Spicer was diagnosed with advanced-stage brain and lung cancer. His family launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover his mounting medical expenses.
"His condition has deteriorated rapidly to a point where we can only try to help his comfort level now," his daughter Janel wrote on the fundraising page. "Our ultimate goal is to make my father's remaining time as comfortable and pain free as possible."
Death and Legacy
Jimmy Spicer passed away on September 27, 2019, in Brooklyn. His passing was mourned by many notable figures in the music industry, including Russell Simmons, Snoop Dogg, Questlove, and Debbie D.
The Birth of "Super Rhyme"
In the winter of 1979, Spicer embarked on a writing spree, filling pages of his notebook with rap lyrics. One day, while taking a break in his car, he realized he needed an alias. As he drove along Church Avenue, he spotted a sign for "Super Signs." Inspiration struck, and he declared himself "Super Rhyme." "And that was it," he said. "It was that easy!"
