Samantha Lawrence, one half of the pioneering UK hip-hop duo Wee Papa Girl Rappers, has passed away at the age of 55. Her family confirmed the news in a statement, expressing their deep sorrow: “With great sadness we announce that beloved sister and mother Samantha Lawrence passed away on Sunday.”
Lawrence, who formed the duo with her sister Sandra, was known for her role in the group alongside her sibling, also known as TY Tim and Total S. The pair found fame in the late 1980s, with their hit single Wee Rule reaching number six on the UK singles chart in October 1988. The track, which blends schoolgirl rhymes with dancehall rhythms, became their signature song and remains a standout in British hip-hop history.
Sandra Lawrence confirmed that Samantha passed away peacefully in London after receiving a secondary cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
Wee Papa Girl Rappers were part of a wave of British female rap artists who emerged in the late 80s, alongside notable acts such as Cookie Crew and Monie Love. The duo first gained attention as backing singers for Feargal Sharkey before forming their own group. Their two albums, The Beat, the Rhyme, the Noise (1988) and Be Aware (1990), were well-received, though the duo disbanded in 1991.
DJ Dave Pearce, who worked closely with Wee Papa Girl Rappers, paid tribute to Samantha Lawrence following her death. He described her as “part of a defining and ground-breaking era of trailblazing British female rappers who, against the odds, conquered the UK charts.”
He continued, “It was a pleasure to work with them, and their positive energy was infectious. Through her success, Sam will have inspired others to follow their dreams. I’m glad I had the chance to remind her of that recently.”
Samantha Lawrence’s legacy, along with her sister Sandra, continues to influence the UK hip-hop scene, and their work remains a cherished part of British music history.
