London rapper and cannabis activist Black the Ripper has died

Grime MC Black the Ripper has reportedly passed away, aged 32 (Instagram/Black the RIpper)Grime MC Black the Ripper has reportedly passed away, aged 32 (Instagram/Black the RIpper)
Grime MC Black the Ripper has reportedly passed away, aged 32 (Instagram/Black the RIpper)

Link Up TV broke the news of the musician's death stating that "a close person to the rapper had posted the devastating news."

The cause of death is currently unknown. The performer had been on holiday on the island of Montserrat last week.

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Real name Dean West, Black the Ripper was a prominent figure in London's grime scene as well as an outspoken advocate for the legalisation of Cannabis in the UK.

Respected north London grime MC

Raised in Edmonton north London Dean West first embarked on his music career in the early noughties and carved out a career as a respected grime MC and hip hop artist.

The artist regularly clashed with other artists on Axe FM and SB.TV.

Eye-catching performances and thoughtful lyrics would attract the eye of fellow talent seeing him feature alongside Moony and Chip, formerly Chipmunk, among others.

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Solo mixtapes Black Is Beautiful and Holla Black would go some way to solidifying Black the Ripper as a knowledgeable and wit-drenched artist.

A respected figure in Edmonton, Black the Ripper would lace his mixtapes with commentary on institutional racism, police brutality and capitalism, reflecting on his own upbringing throughout.

The artist was prominent proponent of the legalisation of cannabis, using social media channels as a vehicle to promote the drugs medicinal uses.

In recent years the performer has released several EPs and studio album, Money Grows on Trees, via his own label Dank of England.

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Tributes paid to Black the Ripper

Fellow artists Skepta, Chip and AJ Tracey have all paid tribute to the performer who is best known for his 2018 album Money Grows on Trees.

Tweeting a picture of himself and Black the Ripper Skepta wrote "Bless your soul my brudda".

Chip meanwhile tweeted "RIP my brother", before voicing frustration that "he can’t even be layed to rest the way he deserves."

Comedian Frankie Boyle also paid tribute to the performer, linking his Twitter followers to track Obama Nation Part 2 on which Black the Ripper features.

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Television and radio presenter Maya Jama posted a tribute to the artist via her Instagram page, writing"So, so sad. He was such a lovely soul, paying for his family... This year has been scary, stay safe."

Artist Aj Tracey tweeted "rest in power black the ripper".

Fellow Dank of England founder wrote "A part of me died today ... my brother my best friend my right hand , I can’t describe this feeling , I know life will never be the same for me again without you".

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