Follow me on Facebook, Twitter.
[Update: The family of the Conscious Daughters member, Karryl "Special One" Smith, who died Saturday of unknown causes, has established a memorial fund for the late rap star. "Thank you for your prayers and condolences," the family said in a statement. "We have set up a memorial fund so the family can give her a beautiful home going. She meant so much to so many people. No contribution is too small, as she also has a son who will need to be cared for. Anything you can do will help, and will be appreciated."
There are three options for donating:
Wells Fargo Bank Account Name:
Memorial Fund for Karryl Smith
Acct# 1939396865
Routing# 121042882
Routing# for International wires: WFBIUS6S
Donate online with PayPal: specialonefund@yahoo.com
Or mail your donation to:
McNary - Morgan - Greene & Jackson
3630 Telegraph Avenue
Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 848-1238
Attn: Karryl Smith Funeral Fund
Please make checks and money orders payable to: Karryl Smith Memorial Fund]
Original post from Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011:
Karryl "Special One" Smith of the Bay Area hip-hop duo Conscious Daughters was reportedly found dead in her home Saturday.
Smith's group member Carla "CMG" Green reacted to Smith's death in a status update on her Facebook page. "Thank you to everyone for your prayers I need them," she wrote. "I am sick over the loss of my sister. The cause of death is still unknown but I will try to share info when I get it. Pray for me and Karryls other sisters Jessica and Tonya. We are all together trying to get through this."
Respected hip-hop historian Dave "Davey D" Cook expressed his condolences via Twitter Sunday. "To those of us who knew Special One and to her family and her partner CMG who found her in her apt.. Hugs, prayers & support," he wrote.
The Conscious Daughters exploded on the hip-hop scene in 1993 with their hit "Somethin' To Ride To (Fonky Expedition)" from their debut album "Ear To The Street" on Scarface Records/Priority. They were the protégés of political hip-hop artist Paris, and additionally released "Gamers" in 1996 and "The Nutcracker Suite" in 2009.
I'm saddened by this news. I was fortunate to interview the group a few times in the 1990s and even had them on a panel on women and hip-hop that I co-moderated in 1996 at the Rap Sheet Working Towards A Unified Hip Hop Nation conference. Much respect.
In March, the group announced signing a deal with PhaseOne/Sony.
Watch 2009 Conscious Daughters interview with Davey D at Bang The Drum concert:
Watch Conscious Daughters perform "Somethin' To Ride To (Fonky Expedition)" at Bang The Drum.
