Sparky D, one of the original female battle rappers, has died at the age of 61.
Sparky’s children announced the death of legendary host Doreen C. Broadnax on her Instagram Story on Monday (July 6).
Originally from Brooklyn’s Brownsville neighborhood, Sparky D got her start with the all-girl group The Playgirls before launching her solo career in 1985 with “Sparky’s Turn (Roxanne You’re Through).” This diss record was one of the earliest responses to Roxanne Shanté and was released during the outbreak of the Roxanne War.
As the rivalry intensified, Sparky D and Shanté eventually embraced it and performed together, even bringing it to a head on 1985’s “Round 1.”
Sparky D released several more records in the 1980s, including “He’s My DJ,” a collaboration with Kool DJ Red Alert, and her 1988 debut album, “This Is Sparky D’s World,” cementing her reputation as a respected female pioneer in hip-hop.
After overcoming drug addiction, Sparks dedicated his life to ministry and moved to Atlanta in 2004. Then turning to gospel rap, she won a Gospel Choice Award in 2007 for the song “This Is for the Church.” In recent years, she has remained active on social media, sharing inspiring posts with her fans.
A statement from Sparky’s family did not reveal a cause of death, but did indicate that her death was completely unexpected.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and wife, Sparky D. Her passing was sudden and unexpected, leaving our family heartbroken as they face this unimaginable loss,” the statement read. “Sparky was a devoted mother, a woman of unwavering faith whose kindness, strength and love touched countless lives.
“She dedicated much of her life to serving others through her career, caring for her family and walking faithfully with God,” the statement continued. “Sparks was a brilliant woman whose gifts touched everyone around her. Whether it was through her career, her creativity or the way she cared for others, she was valued for all she was.
“Her legacy will live on through the people she impacted, the love she gave selflessly and the values she instilled in those who knew her. While our hearts are heavy, we take comfort in knowing that her faith was strong and her memory will always be a blessing.”
Funeral services have not yet been announced.
Sparky’s colleagues reacted immediately to the news, with DJ Premier recalling that she was “an instant force to be reckoned with.”
“I became a fan instantly when she competed with @imroxanneshante in the early 1980s and I always bought her records from day one,” Preem wrote on Instagram. “Her relentless voice and delivery made her an instant force to be reckoned with. I was lucky enough to meet her right after I got into the game and I’m so glad @nas and I were able to honor her on our new record BOUQUET. I will always remember the first round 12″ cover and boxing gloves. Thanks for showing us how it’s done!”
See more reactions below, along with a full statement from her family.
View the full statement from Sparky D’s family
See DJ Premier and MC Sha-Rock react to Sparky D’s death
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