Major Ace, one of the originators of grime, has died.
The MC, who had been suffering from a brain tumour for almost three years, passed away on Sunday (October 8).
He was part of Pay As U Go Cartel, which featured Wiley and DJ Target and inspired artists including Chipmunk. The collective's single Champagne Dance peaked at No.13 in 2002.
The death of the MC, whose real name was Luke Monero, was confirmed by his younger brother, Cass.
Social media tributes have been paid by artists and DJs including Wiley, Chipmunk, Lethal Bizzle, Wretch32 and MistaJam.
Rest in peace my brother Major Ace. I don't wanna believe the news ???????????????? thoughts and prayers are with his family right now.
— DJ Target (@DJTarget) October 8, 2017
Had the pleasure of meeting & working with Major Ace a good few times over the years. Sending ?? to his friends and family #RIPMajorAce pic.twitter.com/0CDI8BQUlN
— mistajam (@mistajam) October 8, 2017
RIP Major Ace. Pirate radio/club land/foundation grime music SUPERSTAR. Ask Dizz, Wiley & anyone that was there at the beginning. Sad news.
— Twin (@TwinB) October 8, 2017
RIP Major Ace. Lord knows he was one of the mc’s who made me wanna do this. When I first heard them Pay As You Go verses... ????????????????
— Chipmunk (@OfficialChip) October 8, 2017
