The Message

Remembering artists we lost in 2021

by Sanni Brown and Sean McPherson

December 16, 2021

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Lee 'Scratch' Perry performing in Perth, Australia, on March 31, 2007.
Lee 'Scratch' Perry performing in Perth, Australia, on March 31, 2007.Paul Kane/Getty Images

Before we move full-on into the holiday spirit, we want to take a look back and celebrate the lives of the artists we lost in 2021. The world is a different place without the sonic innovation of Lee “Scratch” Perry; without the singular voice, vulnerability and bravado of DMX; without the ultimate hip-hop ambassador and court jester, Biz Markie; and without the adventurous and dextrous voice of Gift of Gab. We also honor the legacies of Sarah Dash of LaBelle, Shock G of Digital Underground and others.

Program playlist

Gallery
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Rapper Shock G. of Digital Underground performing in 1990
Rapper Shock G. of Digital Underground performs at Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, Indiana in July 1990.
Raymond Boyd/Getty Images
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DMX performs at The Source Hip-Hop Music Awards 2001
DMX performing at The Source Hip-Hop Music Awards 2001 at the Jackie Gleason Theater in Miami Beach, Florida.
Scott Gries/Getty Images
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Photo of Biz Markie
Biz Markie, in an undated photo from the early years.
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Remembering artists we lost in 2021