It’s with heavy hearts that we share the news of Gwendolyn “Blondy” Chisolm’s passing. The talented rapper and singer-songwriter, best known as a co-founder of the groundbreaking hip-hop group The Sequence, died on Monday, April 6th, at the age of 66. Her sister confirmed she passed after a brief illness.
A Pioneer of Hip-Hop
Gwendolyn Chisolm, alongside Cheryl “The Pearl” Cook and the late Angie Stone (who passed in March 2025), formed The Sequence back in 1979. They quickly made a name for themselves, achieving a major hit with their iconic track “Funk You Up.” This song, and many others, became anthems that continue to bring joy to millions.
Chisolm’s sister, Monica Scott, shared a touching statement: “My sister gave a lot of herself to the music industry. Everyone knows her famous lyrics and melodies, which continue to bring joy to millions of people. She was a creative force who touched countless hearts.”
From High School Cheers to Chart-Topping Hits
Hailing from Columbia, South Carolina, Gwendolyn and her group mates were high school cheerleaders at C.A. Johnson High School. Believe it or not, the very cheers they performed became the foundation for their music! Chisolm herself explained in a 2017 interview that “Funk You Up” originated from a cheer they used to do.
The trio also shared vocal talents in their church choir, honing their skills before embarking on a revolutionary musical journey. The Sequence made history as the first female hip-hop act to sign with the legendary Sugar Hill Records, releasing three albums before disbanding in 1985.
The Journey to Sugar Hill Records
Their path to signing with Sugar Hill Records is a story in itself. The group managed to sneak backstage at a Sugarhill Gang concert, armed with confidence and a bold claim: they could sing and rap better than the headliners. This audacity, coupled with their undeniable talent, paved the way for their career.
Chisolm’s dream of joining the Army as a drill sergeant was replaced by a life of touring, recording, and traveling the world alongside hip-hop pioneers. They were true trailblazers during the burgeoning hip-hop revolution.
Facing Financial Realities
Despite their success and influence, The Sequence, like many artists of that era, faced challenges regarding the financial rewards of their music. Chisolm openly spoke about the pain of seeing others profit immensely from their creations while struggling to make ends meet. “It hurts to know that, here you is, busting your ass, can barely feed yourself, can barely pay your bills, and everybody’s just going on, and people making millions of dollars off something you created,” she once said.
The legacy of Gwendolyn Chisolm and The Sequence lives on through their unforgettable hits, including “Funk You Up,” “Funky Sound (Tear the Roof Off),” and “I Don’t Need Your Love (Part One).” Their music has been sampled and interpolated by major artists like Dr. Dre and influenced modern hits such as Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk.”
We’re heartbroken right now. But we take comfort in knowing that her beautiful spirit lives on through the songs she shared with the world. We hope the world will remember her as a passionate artist and a voice for a generation. You can honor her memory by turning up her music. — Monica Scott (Sister of Gwendolyn Chisolm)
A private memorial service will be held for Gwendolyn “Blondy” Chisolm at a later date. Her contributions to music have left an indelible mark, and her spirit will undoubtedly continue to inspire.
What are your favorite memories or songs from The Sequence? Share your tributes to Gwendolyn ‘Blondy’ Chisolm in the comments below!
