John Rivas dead(Photos) Rap Attack radio show

A report Friday says Mr. Magic of the former Rap Attack radio show, John Rivas, is dead. Rivas from 1983 to 1989 brought hip hop to the air with the popular WBLS-FM’s Rap Attack radio show.

During the mid-80s there was a rivalry between Mr. Magic and Kool DJ Red Alert, who hosted a weekly show on WRKS-FM. The feud also played out between proxy rap groups, the Juice Crew and Boogie Down Productions (see The Bridge Wars).

The Juice Crew - headed by Mr. Magic's on-air assistant, DJ Marley Marl - was named after one of Magic's aliases, "Sir Juice."

In 2002, he made a return as a DJ on Grand Theft Auto: Vice City's fictitious radio station Wildstyle Pirate Radio, portraying himself.

Whodini's song mentioned above was also played on the radio, described by Mr. Magic as "a very special throwdown this song is all about me and the Rap Attack".

Cause of death is unknown at time of press. Funeral arrangements have not been announced. Mr. Magic will be greatly missed. Send your love.

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