Year in Review: In Memoriam

Super Rocking Mr. Magic, Oct. 2, age 53: Born John Rivas, Magic was a New York disc jockey who almost singlehandedly brought hip-hop into the mainstream. Magic co-founded the New York radio show "Rap Attack" in 1983 and helped inspire budding stars like Notorious B.I.G. and Nas with early East Coast rhymes. Many rappers, including Nas and Mos Def, referenced him in their lyrics. Magic made a return to the spotlight in 2002, portraying himself in the video game "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City." Magic called the game appearance "a very special throwdown…this song [in the game] is all about me and the 'Rap Attack.'" Magic died of a heart attack.