Sylvia Robinson, Mother of Hip Hop, Dead At 75

The legendary pioneer passed away earlier this morning in New Jersey.

Sylvia Vanterpool Robinson, credited as the Mother of Hip Hop, died earlier this morning from congestive heart failure.

As founder of Sugar Hill Records, the 75-year-old rap industry veteran first helped push Hip Hop to the mainstream, producing The Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight” in 1979. She also produced Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five’s “The Message,” as well as her 1973 hit “Pillow Talk.”

According to S2S, Robinson was ill for five months before passing away in Secaucus, New Jersey. She leaves behind a husband and three sons.