Mercury-nominated rapper Ty passed away at the age of 47 after contracting coronavirus. The Nigerian-British artist was known for his old-school rap, his death was mourned by many people and friends within the industry. DJ Charlie Sloth called him “a friend, a role model and a true foundation to UK rap.” Posdnuous from US rap trio De La Soul, who also appeared on Ty’s third album Closer in 2006, wrote: “This brother here was truly a good person. Sad to see you ascend from this realm so soon.”
Ty, who was born as Ben Chijioke, got admitted into hospital in March/April due to “medical complications related to COVID19”, according to a GoFund Me page set up by his friends. “Shortly after, he was put in a medically induced coma to temporarily sedate. To help his body receive the appropriate treatment. He has since woken and is breathing on his own with little help from a ventilator and is recovering in hospital”, the statement continues. But after the hopeful update, the page received another update yesterday, saying “it is with much sadness that I have to report the passing of Ben Chijioke, better known as TY Chijioke on the 7th May 2020.” The announcement furthermore explains that since the last update on the 19th of April, “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.” £20.000 have been raised to help Ty.
Rest my Brother. You did good. @tymusic
— Roots Manuva (@rootsmanuva) May 7, 2020
Ty released his debut album Awkward in 2001, but it was his sophomore album Upward, which got released two years after his debut album hit the market, that brought him to mainstream attention after it got nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2004. Ty released three more albums after that, his latest one called A Work of Heart came out in 2018. Throughout his career, the UK rapper collaborated with dozens of artists, such as afrobeat drummer Tony Allen.
Ty’s family asks to respect their privacy during this hard time, the crowdfunding page states. “The family would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has reached out and expressed their concern since he was admitted in hospital but right now they would value having their privacy, so they can mourn privately. They just need time to process. I personally will be going offline for a while so I can recenter. I cannot answer everyone’s questions or condolences right now but know that I see you, and thanks.”
