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It was confirmed today that Mr. Magic passed away after suffering a heart attack.

Magic, born John Rivas, was a pioneer in hip-hop and made his mark as the first DJ to host a mixshow hour on commercial radio back in 1982. It was Mr. Magic, along with Marley Marl as his DJ and Tyrone “Fly Ty” Williams as co-producer, that kick-started “Rap Attack,”
“Rap Attack” was a cultural touchstone fondly remembered by countless rappers, breakdancers, journalists and fans who were transfixed by the early sounds of hip-hop transmitted through their speakers by Mr. Magic.

He was hip-hop’s Walter Cronkite and a respected voice gone far too soon. May his wand rest in peace.