DJ Casper, best known for creating the “Cha Cha Slide,” has died after a seven-year battle with cancer. He was 58 years old.
The musician’s wife, Kim, broke the news to Chicago’s ABC7, revealing that he died on Monday (August 7) after a long battle with kidney and liver cancer. Casper had previously sat down with ABC7 back in May, and admitted he was having health challenges, but vowed to remain positive.
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DJ Casper, otherwise known as Mr. C The Slide Man, was responsible for “Cha Cha Slide,” which came out 23 years ago this month. The single spawned the album Cha-Cha Slide: The Original Slide Album, and gave way to a popular dance that is still performed at large social functions today.
He followed up the 1998 hit with a new version in 2000 called “Casper Slide Pt. 2,” which started to get some significant radio play as well.
DJ Casper told ABC7 during his interview in May that his signature track was initially meant as a workout song for a family member.
“When I first did it, I did it as an aerobic exercise for my nephew at Bally’s,” he said. “From there, it just took off. Elroy Smith from WGCI grabbed ahold of it.”
He added of his health issues: “I used to weigh 236 pounds, and I think I’m about 60 pounds less. If you know me, you know I’m not going to stop. I’m going to continue to go. I’m going to continue to go until I can’t go.”
Casper added that he hopes the “Cha Cha Slide” can still unify people and provide a positive message in people’s lives.
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“Anybody that’s going through cancer, know that you have cancer and cancer does not have you,” Casper said at the time. “So, keep on doing the ‘Cha Cha Slide.’”
The track was eventually certified platinum in the United Kingdom and at its height peaked at No. 83 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Revisit the track below:
HipHopDX sends its condolences to DJ Casper’s friends and family.
