Legendary hip-hop writer, producer and manager Rich Nichols has died at 55. (Google Images)
Legendary hip-hop writer, producer and manager Rich Nichols has died at 55. (Google Images)

Rich Nichols, the legendary hip-hop writer, producer and manager of iconic hip-hop group The Roots has died. Nichols, who managed and produced The Roots for two decades, died today after a long battle with leukemia, which was confirmed by The Roots on their Okayplayer website. On the site, they referred to Nichols as “the guiding spirit behind the group.”

Billboard reports:

“Nichols had managed the Roots since the early ’90s, steering them on an unlikely trajectory from Philly street buskers, to heavy-touring hip-hop favorites, to the house band for America’s premiere late night show. He is also credited as producer, executive producer, mixer and A&R on several Roots albums and projects by the many artists the acclaimed band has collaborated with, including Jay-Z, Al Green, Common, Jill Scott and Erykah Badu.”

Artists with whom Nichols worked expressed condolences on Twitter.

Screen Shot 2014-07-18 at 3.33.51 PM

Screen Shot 2014-07-18 at 3.45.49 PM

Screen Shot 2014-07-18 at 3.34.03 PM

Screen Shot 2014-07-18 at 3.34.27 PM

Screen Shot 2014-07-18 at 3.34.17 PM

Nichols is survived by his wife Mercedes Martinez, sons Amiri Nichols and Rakim Nichols, sisters Rochelle Nichols-Solomon, Rebecca Dennis and brothers Russell Nichols and Reginald Nichols. He was 55.

Read more on Okayplayer or Billboard.

Like The Burton Wire on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @TheBurtonWire.

Previous articleESPY Awards Must-See: Stuart Scott’s Award Speech
Next articleRE2PECT: Jordan Brand Commercial Honoring Jeter is Pretty Awesome
TheBurtonWire.com is the premiere online destination for people who think for themselves. This blog offers news from the African Diaspora, culture that is produced by often overlooked populations and opinion that is informed and based on fact. Tired of the onslaught of websites and talking heads that regurgitate what people want to hear, TheBurtonWire.com is a publication that elevates news and perspectives that people need to hear. TheBurtonWire.com is for individual thinkers who understand that they are part of a larger collective. What is this collective? Free thinking people that care about the world, who will not be categorized or boxed in by society or culture and are interested in issues and topics that defy stereotypes and conventional wisdom.