Sylvia Robinson, Founder Of Sugar Hill Records, Dies At 75

Founder Of Sugar Hill Records, Sylvia Robinson, Dies At 75

The legendary producer behind the hip hop classic " Rapper’s Delight," Sylvia Robinson reportedly died today from congestive heart failure. She was 75.

The co-founder of Sugar Hill Records was also responsible for launching the careers of the Sugar Hill Gang and Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five and penning The Moments' classic 1968 soul ballad "Love On A Two Way Street." She also served as one half of the R&B duo Mickey & Sylvia, who birthed the Top 20 hit "Love Is Strange."

Family spokesman Greg Walker revealed to Sister 2 Sister magazine that Robinson had been ill for the past five months before passing away this morning at Meadowlands Hospital in Secaucus, N.J.

As expected, the hip hop community is stunned by the tragic news of Robinson's passing, including Q-Tip and former Def Jam artist Lady Luck, who tweeted: "Everybody getting a check off rap owes a little credit to my Aunt. She was truly a legend n icon (sic) Sylvia Robinson. Say hello to disco 4 me."

Robinson was the mother to three sons, Joseph Robinson Jr., Leland Robinson and Rhondo Robinson.

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