Things to Do
Things to Do

TV anchor raps in memory of Big Bank Hank

Nov 14, 2014

ExploreTrending on Facebook
ExploreMore popular and trending stories

You've heard "Rapper's Delight" but have you heard a news anchor rap the pioneering hip-hop song?

Big Bank Hank, a member of the Sugarhill Gang died of complications of cancer at age 57 this week.

He was a part of the Sugarhill Gang in 1979 when it had hip-hop's first hit with "Rapper's Delight." The song was released as hip-hop music started to emerge as a genre, and it landed in the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.

Atlanta TV news anchor Fred Blankenship grew up in California where the group formed and raised to prominence. Friday, he honored Big Hank with a rap of his own in the WSB-TV studios.

"When I was a kid I would go to my father's record player and put it on and this music would take me to a different world," Blankenship says.

Check out the Facebook video below:

More Stories

Keep Reading

Attendees at Heat Index — June’s exclusive warm-up to July’s Heat Wave — gathered for a first look at the bold creative energy behind Blk Book Studio’s upcoming July 12 experience. Founder Kaylyn Fudge, pictured second from left, leads the charge. (Courtesy of Lawrence Gober)

Credit: Lawerence Gober

Between Beyoncé shows, Atlanta’s creatives take the stage

Heat Wave, happening July 12, is Atlanta’s new arts event blending music, fashion and networking. See how to join and meet the city’s creative leaders.

Visitor’s guide to The Battery for 2025 MLB All-Star Week

Atlanta is hosting 2025 MLB All-Star Week. Here are some tips on things to do, where to eat and drink near Truist Park and the Battery.

Opinion: Beyoncé’s country era is invitation for all of us to explore genre

From 2024: Despite certain opinions, Beyoncé isn't overstepping with her foray into country music. The genre was once multicultural, then record execs changed that.

The Latest

Attendees at Heat Index — June’s exclusive warm-up to July’s Heat Wave — gathered for a first look at the bold creative energy behind Blk Book Studio’s upcoming July 12 experience. Founder Kaylyn Fudge, pictured second from left, leads the charge. (Courtesy of Lawrence Gober)

Credit: Lawerence Gober

Between Beyoncé shows, Atlanta’s creatives take the stage

Saddle up for these Beyoncé-themed pop-up bars, brunches and shows in Atlanta

Coming to Atlanta for MLB All-Star week? There’s fun outside Truist Park too.

Featured

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, seen here in a file photo from Nov. 14, 2024, is conducting a statewide audit of voter registrations targeting registrations at businesses and P.O. boxes for possible cancelation. (Jason Getz / AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

New Georgia election audit targets voters registered at P.O. boxes and businesses

Georgia election officials are trying to find inaccurate voter registrations of people registered at P.O. boxes or business addresses.

Rent an apartment, or just a bedroom, at this new Atlanta skyscraper

Amid rising costs and changing lifestyles, Society Atlanta offers a co-living model designed to shake up traditional apartments.

DISPATCH

In Georgia’s melon mecca, watermelon wizards’ ears are sweetly attuned

In the heart of Georgia's watermelon country, everyone has a trick to tell if a melon is ripe. One way is the sound a melon makes when it is thumped. Or better, patted.