TJ Swan, a member of the legendary Juice Crew, has passed away. He was 57.
During the 1980s, Swan became a trailblazing singer performing hooks for Biz Markie, Roxanne Shanté, and Big Daddy Kane. Having a flair for fashion, Swan was known for donning silk shirts and his signature Bally shoes.
Swan’s daughters confirmed their father’s passing in a post on his official Instagram account.
“Great evening everyone. This is TJs Daughter and I have some unpleasant news to share today, the post read. “This morning TJ Swan has passed away, keep my family in your prayers in this horrible time. – Mz Apple.”
Fellow Juice Crew member Roxanne Shanté also paid tribute to Swan on Instagram.
“We are sad to Announce the passing of our Hip Hop Brother TJ Swan the original Bally Silk shirt King,” Shanté’s post read.
No cause of death was given.
Born St. Theron “Swan” Grant on December 10, 1966, in the South Side Bronx, New York City, he was raised in Long Island, New York. He was surrounded by music as a child. His mother was a gospel singer and his father and uncle were musicians in a blues band. By the time he was five years old, he was already performing in front of his family and friends.
Growing up as hip-hop was emerging, Swan was a beatboxer and a DJ. While attending Five Towns College, he met Biz Markie. Following his graduation, Swan and Biz signed their first deal with Prism Records, charting songs on the Billboard chart. Eventually, they signed with Cold Chillin’ where they would make their mark. Swan sang the hook on classic songs such as “Make the Music with Your Mouth, Biz” and “Nobody Beats The Biz”. He also was featured on “Albee Square Mall” and the subject of “The Vapors”.
Although he was approached by Clive Davis’ Arista Records, Swan never signed with the label.
During the 90’s, he continued writing and producing. He co-wrote LL Cool J’s ” Around the Way Girl” (1990)for LL Cool J and “Boy You Are The One”(1994) for Keita.
Tributes poured in from the hip-hop community following the news of Swan’s death.
Big Daddy Kane, another founding member of the Juice Crew shared his condolences on wrote on Instagram.
“Rest well my good Brother!!! Rocking at a party, Shocking everybody,” his post read.
We at HOT97 extend our prayers and deepest condolences to the family and friends of TJ Swan.
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