Major Ace, the U.K. grime artist often credited with being one of the genre’s founders, has passed away. His death was confirmed by his younger brother via social media. Ace had been suffering from a brain tumor for almost three years.
Major Ace, born Luke Monero, was a founding member of the Pay As U Go Cartel. The U.K. collective helped launch the careers of a number of well-known U.K. artists, including Wiley and DJ Target, among others.
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In 2002, the group reached #13 in the UK charts for their single “Champagne Dance.”
Following his passing, Wiley spoke to BBC’s Newsbeat to offer his respects to his close friend.
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“Major Ace means a lot to me and he’ll be forever missed,” he said. “He got the credit he deserved. Major Ace was Wiley before Wiley.”
A number of notable U.K. artists took to social media to pay their own tributes to Major Ace.
I saw bare missed calls this morning and I knew something was not right The man who loved Pay as u go the most passed away.Major Ace #RIP
— Chasing The Art #BBK (@WileyUpdates) October 9, 2017
Luke monero you be will missed https://t.co/iX5nvN8n4A In Peace brother.
— Chasing The Art #BBK (@WileyUpdates) October 9, 2017
R.I.P Major Ace.
An inspiration to many. ?— SKEPTA (@Skepta) October 9, 2017
Like I still can’t believe this man, I mean wow! Original in this, we grew up listening to you, Pay as you go, Rinse fm, shut down raves etc. #RIPMajorAce ????
— Tinchy Stryder (@TinchyStryder) October 8, 2017
Real mic man! ?❤️?? #RIPMajorAcepic.twitter.com/xNJpIYOyVN
— Tinchy Stryder (@TinchyStryder) October 9, 2017