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Juice Crew member TJ Swan has passed away at the age of 57.
Swan’s fellow Juice Crew member Roxanne Shanté broke the news on Instagram with the simple message that read: “We are sad to Announce the passing of our Hip Hop Brother TJ Swan the original Bally Silk shirt King.”
A cause of death has yet to be announced.
One of Hip Hop’s first crooners, Swan (real name St. Theron Grant) was responsible for singing the hooks on songs such as Biz Markie’s “Nobody Beats the Biz” and “Make the Music With Your Mouth Biz,” as well as MC Shan’s “Left Me Lonely.”
The Long Island-via-the South Bronx native was also known for his distinctive style of wearing shiny silk shirts and designer Bally shoes.
Swan’s death was mourned by a number of notable figures in Hip Hop.
Fellow Juice Crew alumnus Big Daddy Kane wrote on Instagram: “Rest well my good Brother!!! Rocking at a party, Shocking everybody!”
DJ Premier said in his own tribute: “(R.I.P.) TJ Swan had a iLL style that was so Hip Hop but Soulful at the same time. A Juice Crew ICON.
“The Biz records and MC Shan records are all timeless and you made them complete when you were featured. I am a day 1 fan. R.I.P. To TJ Swan, Biz Markie, Mister Cee and DJ Polo.”
Former collaborator MC Debbie Dee added: “RIP to TJ Swan, the songbird of the #JuiceCrew! The melodic voice on #ColdChillinRecords like Evolution recorded by me, MC Shan, MC Glamourous & Kool G Rap! Sending love, prayers & condolences to the family!”
R.A. The Rugged Man also said: “Rest in Peace T.J. Swan Juice Crew legend. A great man who sang on some of the most memorable songs ever to me, songs that are stuck in my brain for life, some of my favorite records of all time. HipHop superstar of the Golden Era.”
Freddie Foxxx simply said: “Salute TJ Swan Forever.”
Killer Mike made reference to the 2021 passing of Swan’s close collaborator Biz Markie by writing on X: “Reunited in Hip Hop Heaven! RIP Swan.”
K-Solo also posted an emotional tribute on Facebook, writing: “TJ Swan I remember watching you perform in the Central Islip NY high school talent show. You did ‘Rock With You’ the Michael Jackson hit. You won. You were also part of the John Coleman Fun City crew as I was then.
“You and Biz Markie put Long Island on the map, together you were always that dude. May all the good you embodied follow you… my condolences to Mrs Grant and the whole Grant family, we lost a great one. Great job, TJ Swan, a Central Islip treasure.”
HipHopDX sends its condolences to TJ Swan’s family, friends and fans.
Reunited in Hip Hop Heaven! RIP Swan https://t.co/l3HQxmAI4W
— Killer Mike (@KillerMike) November 23, 2024
RIP to TJ Swan, the songbird of the #JuiceCrew! The melodic voice on #ColdChillinRecords like Evolution recorded by me, MC Shan, MC Glamourous & Kool G Rap! Sending love, prayers & condolences to the family! ❤️
