Slamming 'premature and insensitive' reports that the hip-hop star has succumbed to stage 4 of pancreatic cancer, one of his children takes to Instagram to ask for continued prayers and support.
- Jun 10, 2019
AceShowbiz - Geto Boys star Bushwick Bill's family has angrily dismissed reports suggesting the rapper has died of pancreatic cancer.
The star was diagnosed with stage 4 of the deadly disease earlier this year and on Sunday, June 09, reports emerged alleging he had lost his battle.
His bandmate, Scarface, and rapper Bun B were quick to pay tribute to the hip-hop star, but one of Bushwick Bill's children has now clarified the rumours, insisting the 52-year-old is alive and in hospital with his family by his side.
"Contrary to what has been prematurely, insensitively, and inaccurately posted/reported - My dad IS NOT dead, he's still alive and fighting for his life," reads a message posted on Bill's Instagram page.
"He needs your continued prayers and support. Certain people have been so quick to write him off as dead so they can capitalize off it, and it's messed up because yall (sic) really think these people care about him. There is no Geto Boys without Bushwick Bill..".
"On behalf of the family we're requesting privacy until further notice."
The relative went on to condemn the premature death reports as "fake news" and asked fans to share the update.
The rapper's publicist, Dawn P., also confirmed her client is still alive, telling The Associated Press on Sunday he is on a ventilator in hospital in Colorado.
Pete Marrero, Bill's Dallas-based business manager, says the star, who was born with dwarfism, was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer in February and is not expected to recover. Bill, whose legal name is Richard Shaw, had been planning to go on tour around the time he was hospitalised.
The early death rumours emerged after Bill failed to make a special appearance at a concert in Dallas, Texas on Saturday, June 08. However, his representative insists organisers knew in advance he was not well enough to perform.
He had planned to launch his own tour, called "Phuck Cancer", weeks after pulling out of plans for a Geto Boys farewell trek, which was arranged in the wake of the ailing MC's diagnosis reveal.
The MC cancelled the string of shows because he reportedly felt promoters were trying to sell tickets on the back of his cancer battle.
