Educated Rapper (a.k.a. EMD) of the legendary hip-hop group U.T.F.O. has passed away, according to fellow group member Mix Master Ice and legendary Bronx promoter Van Slik.
Real name Jeffrey Campbell, the emcee’s passing was confirmed late Saturday (June 3). He was taken to a Brooklyn hospital where he died. Van Slik told HipHopDX that the EMD had been fighting with cancer, however an official cause of death has not yet been determined. “I just got off the phone with Rahiem (of the Furious Five),” Van Silk says. “They were all hospital last night. It was the first time all original members of UTFO had been together in a long time. He had been sick with cancer and must have had it for awhile.” Mix Master Ice had previously posted a heartfelt plea on Facebook to fans asking for their prayers prior to Campbell's passing.
This is a All Out Cry For Prayer! I just got the ok from family to go viral.. As I hold his hand, I need everyone's power in prayer to pray for one of my best friends since 1979 & hip hop partner, Jeffrey Campbell.. Known to our World Wide fans as: The Educated Rapper MD or EMD 1/4 of the U.T.F.O. crew, which stands for: "Untouchable Force Organization" * He is extremely ill and not doing well.. Please help us pray for a Miracle Blessing.. #powerinprayer #prayer #UTFO
All members of U.T.F.O. (which stands for Untouchable Force Organization) were reportedly together at EMD's hospital bedside before he died. It was the first time the group had been together in full for quite a while. U.T.F.O. is perhaps best known for their hit “Roxanne, Roxanne,” which stood on its own as a classic cut, but also ignited what would later be known as the “Roxanne Wars” – a series of beef tracks between the Brooklyn-based group and Queens rapper Roxanne Shanté (from the Juice Crew). “Roxanne, Roxanne” along with “Pick Up The Pace” was also featured on the 1985 film Krush Groove. Untouchable Force were among the first breakdancers to appear on daytime television as well. View reaction from those close to Educated Rapper as well as other hip-hop luminaries below.
<<<<"Nothings more attractive than a heavy praying woman" Andre 3000
2. "NO Doubt!! "Roxanne, Roxanne" is a Hip Hop classic in every respect." In response to Reply # 1
Memorable story telling, several thumping beats, wicked scratching rhythms and a display of various lyrical styles.
Not only that, but this was the record that seemed like it would not die. For a while it just kept coming back, through answer records.
And EMD's verse is probably the most creative rhyme theme ever displayed in the history of Hip Hop music. That was 1984 and I still can't think of any one who has matched the creativity of this verse.
<<<<"Nothings more attractive than a heavy praying woman" Andre 3000
legsdiamond Member since May 05th 2011 79803 posts
Sun Jun-04-17 07:57 PM
3. "One of the first songs that made me love hip hop" In response to Reply # 0
That beat was fire.
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
6. "May he rest in peace" In response to Reply # 0
UTFO were stars of my childhood. The originators of the Izzo flow. Man the way the Educated Rapper came in on Roxanne Roxanne is still crazy to this day. RIP.
Post if you had the single with "Hangin' Out" on the B side...
You take the blue pill, the story ends. You wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill, you stay in Wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes.
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