Founding Member of Iconic Female Rap Trio Passes Away at 66
Gwendolyn “Blondy” Chisolm, a founding member of one of the earliest all-female hip-hop groups, has passed away at the age of 66. Her death marks the loss of a pioneering figure in the music industry whose work helped shape the early sound and success of female artists in rap music.
According to confirmed details, Chisolm died on Monday in Atlanta after a brief illness. The news was shared by her family, who remembered her as a passionate and influential artist whose contributions continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Chisolm was best known as a co-founder of The Sequence, a groundbreaking hip-hop trio formed alongside Cheryl “The Pearl” Cook and the late Angie Stone. The group made history as the first female rap act to sign with Sugar Hill Records, a label that played a major role in introducing hip-hop to mainstream audiences in its early years.
The Sequence rose to prominence with their hit track “Funk You Up,” released in 1979. The song achieved significant commercial success, earning Gold certification and reaching No. 15 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. This milestone made it the first charting single by a female hip-hop group, cementing the trio’s place in music history.
The group’s journey began in an unexpected way. As high school friends, the trio managed to get backstage at a Sugarhill Gang concert in 1979. There, they performed an impromptu audition for Sugar Hill Records CEO Sylvia Robinson. Impressed by their talent and energy, Robinson signed them on the spot, launching their careers in the rapidly growing hip-hop scene.
“Funk You Up” went on to influence generations of artists and has been widely sampled by major names in the music industry, including Dr. Dre, En Vogue, Erykah Badu, De La Soul, Beastie Boys, and Too Short. The track remains a key part of hip-hop’s foundation and continues to be celebrated for its originality and impact.
In a statement, Chisolm’s sister Monica Scott highlighted her lasting legacy, saying that she gave a great deal of herself to the music industry. She described her as a creative force whose lyrics and melodies brought joy to millions and touched countless lives.
At the time of her passing, Chisolm was still actively contributing to the preservation of her legacy. She had been working on her memoir and collaborating with the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville to help create a permanent exhibit dedicated to The Sequence and their influence on hip-hop culture.
Her death represents not only a personal loss for her family and friends but also a significant moment for the music community. As one of the early voices that helped open doors for women in hip-hop, Chisolm’s contributions remain an important part of the genre’s history.
A private memorial service is expected to be held at a later date, as her family and loved ones gather to honor her life and achievements.
Sources
Billboard
Family statement to media
