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Willie Perry Jr., also known as DJ Casper, the creator of the “Cha Cha Slide” anthem, has passed away. According to ABC 7 Chicago, the 58-year-old’s passing was revealed on Monday by his wife, Kim.
Perry Jr. sat down for an exclusive interview with the outlet in May. During the conversation, he explained that he was diagnosed with cancer in 2016.
“They diagnosed me in 2016 with two kinds of cancer, which is renal and Neuroendocrine, which is kidney and liver. They went in to try to do surgery, and they found out the kidney was connected to the main artery, so they decided not to do it and just treat it,” he explained.
At the time, the artist shared that he was having trouble eating and had lost a significant amount of weight due to his diagnosis. However, Perry Jr. explained that his challenges would not hold him back.
“I used to weigh 236 pounds, and I think I’m about 60 pounds less,” he explained. “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.”
Additionally, the DJ shared advice for anyone else battling cancer.
“Anybody that’s going through cancer, know that you have cancer and cancer does not have you. So, keep on doing the ‘Cha Cha Slide.'”
DJ Casper’s sitdown with ABC 7 Chicago would be his last television interview before his battle came to an end.
During the interview, the artist explained that he never thought the “Cha Cha Slide,” originally made in 1998 as per Variety, would become an international hit.
“When I first did it, I did it as an aerobic exercise for my nephew at Bally’s. From there, it just took off…”
According to the outlet, DJ Casper recorded a new version in 2000 called the “Casper Slide Pt. 2.” The single began to receive radio play in Chicago which later spread throughout the globe and earned Perry Jr. the number one record “on the U.K. Singles chart” in 2004.
“I have one of the biggest songs that played at all stadiums: hockey, basketball, football, baseball; they played it at the Olympics,” DJ Casper explained to ABC 7 Chicago in May. “It was something that everybody could do.”
Perry Jr. hoped that his classic record would “serve as a reminder” of “unity, community, and positivity” for decades to come.
Roomies, please join us in sending prayers and condolences to the family and friends of DJ Casper.
