Juice Crew Legend TJ Swan Dies at 57: Hip Hop Pays Tribute
TJ Swan, a renowned figure in the hip-hop world, has sadly passed away at the age of 57. Swan was an integral part of the Juice Crew, a pioneering collective that played a significant role in shaping the sound of hip hop in the 1980s and 1990s.
Swan, whose real name was Thomas J. Shuler, was a singer, songwriter, and producer who worked with some of the biggest names in hip hop, including Marley Marl, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and LL Cool J. He is perhaps best known for his work on Marley Marl’s iconic debut album, “Marley’s World,” released in 1988.
Hip hop fans and artists have taken to social media to pay their respects to Swan, remembering his contributions to the genre and the impact he had on the scene. “RIP to a true legend of hip hop/TJ Swan, the voice that brought us some of the most iconic joints of the 80s & 90s” wrote one fan, while another simply tweeted, “So sad to hear about the passing of TJ Swan. His music still gets played every day in my household”
For those who knew him, Swan’s passing is a significant loss. As one rapper put it, “TJ Swan was like a brother to me. He was a true OG, a true original. We grew up making music together, and I’m gonna miss him.”
While his music may no longer be making the charts, TJ Swan’s legacy lives on, and his influence can still be felt in the music of today. As one fan summed it up, “TJ Swan may be gone, but his music will always be here, still inspiring new generations of hip hop fans and artists alike.”
