Highly acclaimed UK rapper, Ty, has died after contracting coronavirus.
The Nigerian-born Mercury-nominated star was known for his witty, mature style that owed much to the old-school US rappers, as opposed to the now established grime-influenced street sounds of today’s British urban music.
Broadcaster, Jasmine Dotiwala confirmed the news of his death on social media in a tribute to the star.
Alongside a picture of the pair alongside the likes of actor/director Noel Clarke and DJ/Producer Naughty Boy she wrote; ‘It breaks my heart to have to share this. I had been waiting for @tymusic to recover before using this pic of our crew celebrating him.
‘It’s now a tribute photo on a devastating day. We are all in shock and trying to process this news. Ty was our boy our whole lives. RIEP.’
She added: ‘He always had any live music audience eating out of his hands but @tymusic was always a UK hip hop pioneer who supported new, young musicians.
‘A community activist who spoke up for communities all around him, he was a neuclius of talent and love and the culture loved him.’
In 2004, his second album, ‘Upwards’, was nominated for the much-respected Mercury Prize – where he was up against the late Amy Winehouse, The Streets and the eventual winners, Franz Ferdinand.
A.K.A. Ben Chijioke, his death was mourned by fellow stars including Roots Man and Ghets.
He was 47.
