Stormin dead: Grime pioneer dies after cancer diagnosis

Skepta and Jaykae are among those leading tributes

Grime legend Stormin MC has died after being diagnosed with a form of skin cancer two years ago.

Tributes are flooding in for the east London grime pioneer from the likes of Skepta, Toddla T, Frisco, DJ Target, Jaykae, and the BBC Radio 1Xtra account.

The news was reported by DJ Phantasy, who posted on Instagram: "So gutted to be typing this. My brother Stormin sadly passed away this morning. He battled til the very end. The strongest person I've ever known. I'll always make sure no one ever forgets you my bruva."

Stormin, who was a member of one of the grime scene's founding collectives, N.A.S.T.Y Crew, revealed he was battling a form of skin cancer in an open letter to his fans, which was published in July 2016.

"I can admit that I have done some bad things in my time but I've also done major good so I ask myself why I have been given this card in life," he said. "Is it a test? No it's a fight I will win so when I'm gone just know it's for a short time and I'll #BRB."

MC Stormin in a hospice (storminmc/Instagram)

He later announced in November that he was "cancer free", however in January this year he posted a picture from his hospital bed on Instagram, writing that he could not breathe or swallow properly.

Following reports of his death, Complex UK tweeted a photo of the artist and called him "a true grime legend" while others paid tribute to his contribution to UK music, as well as his attitude in dealing with cancer.

Plastician wrote: "Sad, sad news today. Even sadder that we were all waiting for it. Cancer has taken away a pillar of the grime scene's foundations and one of drum and bass's most energetic performers. We'll never forget you Stormin."

Skepta tweeted "RIP Stormin", Rag 'n' Bone Man called it "very sad news", while DJ Logan Sama tweeted he was "so so glad I got to spend a few more hours sitting with Stormin and his wonderful family and friends before his passing.

"I saw him perform, still just a boy, at Stratford EQ's before Grime was even a genre nearly 20 years ago," he continued. "Now he's gone. Rest easy sir. A true legend."

Jaykae wrote: "Just seen it on my timeline and it's upset me instantly. No more pain for the soldier that is Stormin. Such an inspiring, strong man. God bless you and your family bro may you rest in peace."

Stormin grew up as a fan of jungle music, but found his way into the emerging grime scene via his hugely energetic live performances along with regular slots on Deja Vu FM, with a Monday night show featuring the likes of Dizzee Rascal and Durrty Goodz.

He was an original member of N.A.S.T.Y Crew, one of the founding grime collectives, alongside artists such as Kano, Jammer and D Double, which gained him further exposure and saw him achieve airplay on KISS FM and Radio 1.

Later working in drum and bass, he won awards for Best Crowd Hype DnB MC and Best DnB Group with SaSaSaS at the 2016 Drum and Bass Awards.

In an interview with isSmokeMag he told of how using cannabis medicinally had helped him to deal with cancer.

"It helped me when I couldn't eat or sleep and to free my mind and be at one with myself," he said.