UTFO Member Educated Rapper Dies at 54, Hip-Hop Community Reacts [PHOTO]
The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of the Educated Rapper, one of the founding members of the legendary rap group UTFO. Fellow UTFO member Kangol Kid confirmed the sad news on his Instagram account that EMD died at a Brooklyn hospital late Saturday (June 3). He was 54.
The Educated Rapper, whose real name is Jeffrey Campbell, had been hospitalized since Friday (June 2). No word on cause of death, but according to Bow Legged Lou (of Full Force), EMD had been suffering with cancer.
The Educated Rapper was a member of UTFO, which stands for Untouchable Force Organization. He, along with Kangol Kid, Doctor Ice and Mix Master Ice, sparked the infamous Roxanne Wars with their 1984 classic hit, “Roxanne, Roxanne.” The song, which was produced by Full Force, sparked a slew of response tracks most notably from Roxanne Shanté, a 14-year-old rap newbie from Queens, N.Y., and the Real Roxanne. The group also appeared in the 1985 hip-hop film, Krush Groove.
Upon hearing the news of the Educated Rapper's passing, luminaries from the hip-hop community paid tribute to the late rhymer, including Kangol Kid, Doctor Ice, Mix Master Ice, Bow Legged Lou, Chuck D, Kool Keith and Roxanne Shanté.
"Wow Jeff I can't explain how the loss of you has effected me this morning," wrote Shanté on Instagram. "I am so glad that we were able to become Sister and Brother after all of our Hiphop beefing. I remember when you said to me, "The most dangerous and feared Rapper is an Educated One. RIP."
Kangol Kid wrote in part, "This feeling I feel right now is so unfamiliar for I have NEVER lost a brother that I've done so much with. I've made history with this man. Only two other men (Doctor Ice and Mixmaster Ice) understand the loss I feel right now. We're all we have left. Thank you E for taking this incredible ride with me. Hip-Hop Will NEVER forget your contribution...and I will never forget our journey. I love you and will forever miss us."
We want to send our heartfelt condolences to Jeffrey Campbell's friends and family. We was a true pioneer in the game and will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.
Peep reactions from the hip-hop community below.