The fundamental member of the iconic rap group Geto Boys Bushwick Bill has revealed that he's battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
On Tuesday, the rapper whose birth name is Richard Shaw explained to TMZ that he had an appointment in February to test a mass on his pancreas which was assumed to be benign. When the results returned, physicians informed Bill of his illness. Since receiving the news the rapper has been undergoing intense chemotherapy, but he admits that it is too early to determine how his body is reacting to the treatment.
Although he has decided to go public with the information, Bill says that he did not tell collaborators Willie D and Scarface before taking the information to TMZ. "I been keeping it to myself, but I'm getting ready to tell Scarface and Willie D," Bill explains. "I've only told close family members, that's about it, but I figured keeping it to myself is not really helping nobody."
By disclosing his diagnosis, Bill is hoping to raise awareness and place emphasis on the importance of health. He states that death is not something he fears, but he thinks people should think about making physical and personal goals to ensure they get to live out their dreams.
"It's not like I'm afraid of dying," Bill said. "It's about life and living life and being there for family... I just want people to be aware so when they set dreams and goals they're healthy to fulfill and live."
