Superstar Whitney Houston "s death today has had a surreal effect on hip-hop.
Although Houston was known for pop and R&B ballads "I Will Always Love
You" and "I "m Every Woman" from The Bodyguard soundtrack to the
dance staple "I Wanna Dance With Somebody," her music and artistry
have left an indelible mark on hip-hop. Legions of famous fans took to Twitter
to share their sadness.
Diddy, who shared a mutual mentor in music impresario Clive Davis with Whitney,
tweeted, "Whitney Houston!!! OMG!! I really can "t believe this.. This is
one of the saddest days ever.." UGK "s Bun B sent love for Whitney and her
family, "Incredible talent. Tragic downfall. Prayers for Miss Cissy and
her daughter Bobbi. #RIPWhitney."
Wu-Tang "s Raekwon shared, "I can "t believe I "m hearing this new [sic]
about the great whitney houston! r.i.p may she rest in peace" and added
"My moms loves that lady," showing just how far-reaching and cross-generational
Whitney "s talent really was.
Earlier today, reports surfaced that Whitney Houston died suddenly in Los Angeles
at the Beverly Hilton Hotel at the age of 48. Her representative Kristin Foster
confirmed the singer "s passing. Further details on the cause of death remain
unknown.
Houston, the daughter of gospel singer Cissy Houston and the late John Houston,
was discovered by Arista Records honcho Clive Davis in the early-1980s and he
would go on to guide her career to the tune of 170 million albums sold. The
iconic singer "s hit songs — from "The Greatest Love of All"
to "I Will Always Love You" — are now radio staples and firmly
entrenched in the pop music canon.
Her influence can be heard on a generation of young singers who cite her as
an inspiration, from Mariah Carey, Brandy and Monica to Christina Aguilera and
Beyonce.
But Houston was dogged by her demons. In a 2009 interview with Oprah Winfrey
she detailed the years of addiction and the toll they had taken on her personal
and professional lives.
rapfix.mtv.com
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