Hurricane G, a Latin hip-hop trailblazer, has died at 52 from lung cancer.
The Brooklyn-bred rapper, whose real name is Gloria Rodriguez, pioneered the Spanglish lyrical flow in Hip-Hop in the early ’90s. Her naturally bold and unique rhyme style earned her the respect of her peers in a male-dominated industry. In fact, her Myspace bio says she was the first female Def Squad member. Among the members of this hip-hop collective were rappers Keith Murray, Redman, and EPMD.
Erick Sermon, who is one-half of EPMD and the father of Hurricane G’s daughter, Lexus, shared the news of her passing on Sunday (Nov.6) on Instagram. The 53-year-old said,
“My heart is hardened today. One of my good friends…. my oldest daughters mother passed away today #HURRICANEGLORIA was also a legend in her own right in the Hiphop community. One of the first puertorican female rappers. She rapped with me.”
Sermon closed his heartfelt message with this,
“She will be missed all around the world. I can’t believe this. Pray for us. Beautiful blessings. She was a beautiful person a wonderful mother as real as they come. We love u G.”
Fans first heard of Hurricane G’s diagnosis last May when her daughter, Lexus Sermon, 30, revealed the news on Facebook,
“I dont know how many of you understand what that means but even after 30 years of life Im still trying to process it myself. I have never cried so much in my life I have never felt so disconnected from reality in my life. Yet my mom still manages to be the one to hold it together and say ‘dont worry baby everythings gonna be alright.'”
According to All Hip Hop, Hurricane G was in hospice when she succumbed to Stage 4 Lung cancer.
Hurricane G will be remembered for her songs “El Barrio” and “Underground Lockdown” as well as her 1997 hit “Somebody Else”. The single from her debut album All Woman rose to the #10 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Singles chart and #54 on Hot R&B Singles and Tracks. Throughout her career, she made guest appearances on albums by Keith Murray, Xzibit, Delinquent Habits, Funkdoobiest, and Cocoa Brovaz, among others.
Also notable was the collaboration she had with New Jersey-born rapper Redman on “Tonight’s da Night” and “We Run N.Y.”. She also lent her voice to both the English and Spanish versions of PE 2000 by music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs.
The following are condolences shared by peers and fans.
Rest In Peace Hurricane G 🙏🏽
— Lloydbanks (@Lloydbanks) November 7, 2022
R.I.P. Hurricane G
— Lord Jamar (@lordjamar) November 7, 2022
Thanks love. Woulda been dope to see a #HurricaneG and Cardi B collab. My rapper brain be working overtime lol. I’m gonna miss my sis 😔 https://t.co/wrCGpC1biG
— Rah Digga (@therealrahdigga) November 7, 2022
Anybody that knows me knows how much I love Hurricane G. This one hurts. That was big sis in my head. Never got the chance to meet her. Condolences to her children, family and friends. So sad!
— Petty Shabazz (@stahhr) November 7, 2022
Hurricane G had one of the illest and most recognizable voices in all of Hip Hop soon as you heard her you knew it was Hurricane G 🕊️ https://t.co/NKlSn9R9jL
— DatsAGoodJawn (@waheedstheworst) November 7, 2022
Hurricane G was only the Hype man (girl) for Puffy’s “P.E 2000” but she somehow inexplicably bodied him own his own track #RIPHurricaneG pic.twitter.com/fFYMOr9xlH
— 🏀Jackdadude⚾️ (@dudewitnatt2de) November 7, 2022
Our condolences to the friends and family of Hurricane G.