Gwendolyn "Blondy" Chisolm of the pioneering hip-hop group The Sequence has died at the age of 66.
The news was confirmed in a press release after the rapper and songwriter's longtime group mate Cheryl "The Pearl" Cook shared news of her death on social media.
"Today I’m hurting because my sister Blondy has passed. I’m going to miss you and Angie. Am so in shock. Just talk to you. Love both of you. Until we meet again. R.I.P.," Cook wrote, referencing the group's third member, Angie Stone, who died in a car accident last year.
In a second post, Cook added: "I'm going to miss you Queen Blondy from The Sequence. R.I.P."
No cause of death has yet been revealed by reps, however, Billboard has reported that Blondy died on Monday (April 6) in Atlanta following a brief illness.
Formed in the late 1970s, The Sequence — comprised of Chisolm, Cook and Stone — are often regarded as rap's first all-female group, and among the earliest acts signed to the legendary Sugar Hill Records.
Best remembered for their groundbreaking 1979 hit "Funk You Up," it became one of the first commercially successful rap records made by women — and has since been sampled by a multitude of artists, including Dr. Dre, De La Soul, Erykah Badu, Katy Perry, Too Short, En Vogue, Beastie Boys, Mac Dre and more.
Following news of Blondy's death, The Furious Five shared a message honoring her legacy, writing: "Forever iconic pioneer of The Sequence. May Blondy rest in love and peace."
Leland Robinson of Sugar Hill Records also paid tribute. "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Blondy, whose voice and vision helped shape the very spirit of Sugar Hill Records," Robinson told Complex. "Blondy was more than a member of the first all-female rap group — she was a storyteller, a trailblazer, and a source of inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of working with her.
"Her music carried truth, rhythm, and soul in a way that transcended generations. On behalf of everyone at Sugar Hill Records, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and fans around the world. Her legacy will continue to resonate in every beat, every lyric, and every life she touched."
According to Billboard, at the time of her death, Blondy was completing her memoir and collaborating with Nashville’s National Museum of African American Music to present a permanent exhibit spotlighting The Sequence’s iconic legacy.
A private memorial service is set to take place at a future date.
