Ty death: Rapper dies after contracting coronavirus aged 47

'He was a huge part in the development of Hip Hop and spoken word in this country'

Ty has died aged 47 after contracting coronavirus.

Born Ben Chijioke in London to Nigerian parents, Ty was a celebrated member of the British hip hop scene.

An online fundraiser created in April said that Ty was being hospitalised with Covid-19. A member of the rapper’s press team confirmed his death to The Guardian on Thursday.

His debut album, Awkward, was released in 2001, followed by Upwards in 2003 and Closer in 2006.

Ty’s fourth release, Special Kind of Fool, came out in 2010.

His most recent album, A Work of Heart, was released in 2018.

Upwards earned Ty a nomination for the Mercury Prize in 2004, alongside artists such as Amy Winehouse, Franz Ferdinand, Belle & Sebastian, Jamelia, and Keane.

“Ty, also known by his close friends as Ben Chijioke, has been a beacon to the community for many years, especially in Brixton,” reads the online fundraiser created on 8 April.

According to the page, Ty was at one point put in a medically-induced coma and had since woken up.

An update on 19 April said the artist was doing “much better” and was out of the intensive care unit.

DJ and broadcaster Gilles Peterson was among those who paid tribute to Ty on Thursday, writing: “I’m so sad about the news that @tymusic passed away today.

“He was a huge part in the development of Hip Hop and spoken word in this country. An original no nonsense voice always sharp always witty. todays generation of rappers owe him a lot – a true gate opener. RIP.”

Roots Manuva tweeted: “Rest my Brother. You did good. @tymusic”

Akala wrote: ”Rest In Power brother @tymusic we gonna miss you big bro. Love.”