25.2 C
Accra
Friday, August 1, 2025
WorldTy: UK rapper dies aged 47 after contracting coronavirus

Date:

Ty: UK rapper dies aged 47 after contracting coronavirus

The Nigerian-British musician died on Thursday after contracting pneumonia while recovering from coronavirus.

Ty was known for a witty, mature style that owed more to the old-school US rappers than the grittier street sounds of London.

In 2004, Ty’s second album, Upwards, was nominated for the Mercury Prize alongside Amy Winehouse, The Streets and eventual winners Franz Ferdinand.

Ty contracted coronavirus earlier this year, and a fundraising page set up in April said he had been “put in a medically induced coma to temporarily sedate to help his body receive the appropriate treatment”.

He later left intensive care after his condition seemingly improved – but on Thursday, his press team confirmed he had died.

Writing on the fundraising page, Ty’s friend Diane Laidlaw confirmed he had contracted pneumonia while recovering from coronavirus.

“Ty’s condition had been improving but last week while on a normal ward he had contracted pneumonia which worsened his recovery and ultimately Ty’s body couldn’t fight back anymore,” she wrote.

His death was mourned by stars including Ghetts and Roots Manuva.

DJ Charlie Sloth called him “a friend, a role model and a true foundation to UK rap”.

“This brother here was truly a good person. Sad to see you ascend from this realm so soon,” wrote Posdnuous, from US rap trio De La Soul, who appeared on Ty’s third album, Closer, in 2006.

Skip Youtube post by Big Dada

Warning: Third party content may contain adverts Report End of Youtube post by Big Dada Born Ben Chijioke in London in 1972, he grew up with his sister in a strict household where he was expected to become a doctor or a lawyer.

But he fell in love with hip-hop and decided to pursue a career as an MC.

“They didn’t take to it very well at all,” he told the Independent in 2008. “I knew that it was going to happen, but I just continued to do what I did – they just made me do it in secret.”

After finding a job as a sound engineer, he started recording in the mid-90s, appearing on tracks produced by IG Culture’s New Sector Movement and DJ Pogo, as well as hosting a hip-hop night called Lyrical Lounge.

He released his debut album Awkward in 2001, but it was Upwards – with its mixture of Afro-funk, Jamaican dub, Latin shuffles and dextrous wordplay – that brought him to mainstream attention.

The album showcased his relaxed, storytelling style, whether he was talking about relationship problems on Wait A Minute or the more serious dilemma of gun crime on Rain.

He went on to record three further solo albums, the most recent being A Work of Heart in 2018 and collaborated with dozens of artists from afro-beat drummer Tony Allen to Soweto Kinch and US hip-hop outfit Arrested Development.

Rapper Ghetts was among the rappers paying tribute, writing on Instagram: “RIP TY. This one’s deep I had a lot of respect for.

He added that Ty was “one of the first from the older generation to embrace me and show me, love”.

Roots Manuva simply wrote: “Rest my Brother. You did good”.

Source: bbc.com

[forminator_poll id="710479"]

Latest stories

“Don’t make me and Stonebwoy fight ooo”- Samini warn netizens

Veteran dancehall musician, Samini has warned netizens to resist...

Kanye West’s Heil Hitler song bans him from entering Australia

US rapper Kanye West has been banned from entering...

Agradaa describes moment shared with President Mahama heavenly – Agradaa

Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Agradaa, shared a...

Dada Joe Remix extradited to face romance scam charges in USA

Ghana’s nightlife mogul and alleged crypto kingpin, Nana Kojo...

Govt launches 24-Hour Economy policy today

The government's flagship, 24-Hour Economy Policy, will be launched...

GRA sets July 16 for GHS1 fuel levy implementation

The implementation of the new GHS1 Energy Sector Shortfall...

Related stories

US travel ban against Togo, Libya, others takes effect today

Effective today, Monday, June 9, nationals of twelve countries...

Pakistan: Police in search of over 200 inmates following earth tremor

Over 200 inmates are currently on the run after...

Pope Leo XIV shares canonical acceptance

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has officially accepted his election...

Profile of the new Pope – Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost

"Peace be with all of you!" - the first...

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost named as the 267th Pope, takes the name Pope Leo XIV

Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost has been elected as the...

Black smoke signals end of first day of conclave to elect new pope

A thick column of black smoke rising from the...

Siemens exec and his family involved in fatal Hudson helicopter crash

Tragedy struck New York City on Thursday when a...