Hip-Hop Lives Here
Hip-Hop Lives Here
DJ Premier and Questlove are among those who have paid tribute to Tito Jackson after his death at the age of 70.
The Jackson 5 legend’s death was confirmed by his three sons, Taj, Taryll and TJ, in the early hours of Monday (September 16).
In a statement shared on Instagram, they wrote: “It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that our beloved father, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tito Jackson is no longer with us. We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken.
“Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their well-being. Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson from the legendary Jackson 5, some may know him as ‘Coach Tito’ or some know him as ‘Poppa T.’
“Nevertheless, he will be missed tremendously. It will forever be ‘Tito Time’ for us. Please remember to do what our father always preached and that is ‘Love One Another.’ We love you Pops.”
No cause of death has yet been revealed for Jackson, who was a guitarist and backing vocalist on the Jackson 5’s biggest hits such as “I Want You Back” and “Blame It On The Boogie.”
DJ Premier led the tributes to Tito within Hip Hop, posting a picture of the singer on Instagram and writing: “R.I.P. TITO JACKSON. My musical childhood is based on one of the ILLest groups: THE JACKSON 5. To know all of their names back in 1970 when I was 4 years old, and their roles in the group has continued to carry the same effect.
“Greatness has to be in your soul and they all have it. No family group has ever done it like them. Thank You for your contribution to shaping my professionalism in this music shit. SALUTE ICON.”
Questlove also commented: “All of the Jackson brothers are heroes to me. I really don’t have the words right now. May the entire Jackson family find comfort & peace In this moment. Thank You Tito. rest in melody @poppa3t.”
None of the other living Jackson siblings have yet commented on the tragedy.
Tito, who later began a solo career of his own, was also praised by fans for his influence on popular music.
One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “RIP Tito Jackson. Without his courage to defy his dad & pick up his guitar, we might not have witnessed the birth of the Jackson 5 or seen Michael Jackson become the greatest entertainer. Tito’s talent as a guitarist was the foundation of it all.”
Another said: “Tito Jackson was such an underrated guitar player that we often did not get to hear on Jackson Five records until the mid 70’s when he was allowed to play. In addition to scoring songs like ABC, I Want You Back, he could play literally anything.”
HipHopDX sends its condolences to Jackson’s family, friends and fans.
Share
Advertisement
SOPHIE has been paid tribute by Google Doodle to coincide with what would’ve been her birthday today (September 17).
The hyperpop pioneer and PC Music affiliate (full name Sophie Xeon) tragically passed away on January 30, 2021 aged 34 following her accidental fall from a three storey building in Athens.
Now, the musician has been honoured by Google Doodle with a short video for her 38th birthday. Soundtracked by ‘Immaterial’, taken from her debut album ‘Oil Of Every Pearl’s Un-Insides‘, the clip depicts various portraits of SOPHIE and her Monomachine, the synthesiser she used to make her inimitable and evocative sounds from.
In the caption for the video, Google wrote: “This video Doodle celebrates the birthday of Scottish musician, producer, and DJ Sophie Xeon, who is remembered for her acclaimed experimental pop and electronic music.”
Take a look at the video below:
Recently, the eponymous posthumous album for the producer was announced in June this year. It will be released September 27 via Transgressive Records and Future Classic, with the help of her brother and long-time studio manager Benny Long.
Speaking about the forthcoming album in a statement, SOPHIE’s family wrote: “When we, Sophie’s family, took our first steps towards bringing this project to fruition we contacted the dear friends with whom she envisioned the album. We wrote, ‘We have been finding comfort in the music Sophie left us, it is a gift that we truly cherish as we try to find a way forward, with Sophie forever at the centre of our worlds’.
“Sophie didn’t often speak publicly of her private life, preferring to put everything she wanted to articulate in her music. It feels only right to share with the world the music she hoped to release, in the belief that we can all connect with her in this, the form she loved most.”
The statement concluded: “Sophie gave all of herself to her music. It’s here that she can always be found.”
So far, four singles from the record have been previewed, including ‘Reason Why (ft. Kim Petras)’, ‘Berlin Nightmare (ft. Evita Manji)’, ‘One More Time‘ and ‘Exhilarate (ft. Bibi Bourelly)’.
In other news, Sade will release her first new music in years as part of new transgender awareness compilation project alongside a SOPHIE cover courtesy of Moses Sumney.
Share
Advertisement
