THE VOICE has learned of the sad news that artist Ben Chijioke, better known as Ty has died.
The Nigerian British rapper had been battling with COVID-19 and it was thought that he’d overcome the worst having emerged from intensive care last month.
The 47-year-old had been admitted into the hospital with medical complications related to COVID19 and shortly after, he was put in a medically induced coma to temporarily sedate him in order to help his body receive the appropriate treatment.
A fundraising page set up last month up by Diane Laidlaw has been closed with the last update on April 19 suggesting that while Ty had a way to go before he was back to full strength, he was on the mend.
The post read: “Hey guys. Just to
update you that TY is now out of the intensive care unit and is on a normal
ward. He is doing much better. Super excited.
“I closed the page a few days ago but several people contacted me because they
wanted to donate so I opened it again for a few days. We have officially closed
it now. Thank you guys.”
Upon setting up the fundraising page Laidlaw wrote: “Ben is a close friend of mine and a god-father to my son. If I was to know anything about TY is that he would give you his last penny if he had it to give. Always donating his time and energy to anyone that needs it.”
She added: “I have set up this page so when he comes out he won’t have to ask for ANYTHING. The only thing he needs to do is rest and recover. TY has been a beacon in helping the community, now he needs the community to be a beacon for him.”
As you will see on his Bandcamp platform where the artist housed all of his available music, Ty was ‘best known for his lyrical frankness and honest portrayals of everyday life, setting him aside from many mainstream hip hop acts and allowing him complete artistic independence’.
Across social networks fellow musicians, fans and peers from the industry shared their sorrow at the loss of a loved and respected MC and human being.
Echoing the sentiments being expressed Ghetts wrote on Instagram: “RIP TY, this ones deep I had a lot of respect for ty one of the first from the older generation to embrace me and show me love fly high ty.”
Thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this time.
Check out Ty’s Bandcamp here.
Comments Form
38 Comments
We went to school together. I was always so proud of him. I am so sad. RIP Ben x x
RIP BIG TY . Love & Respect ?
WOIIIII….,BIG LOSS… BIG CHARACTER……BIG HEARTBEAT STOPPED RIGHT DESSO…..RESPECK TO THIS DOUBE OG…OHMYLORD…. REST IN POWER MY GENIUS <3 WHOAH! LB LOVES U MY DRILLA….OMGGG
REST IN PEACE
This is devastating news. RIP Ty.
RIP TY so sad to hear you have gone but you will be trully missed in the HipHop scene and your legacy will live on ?
I am so very sad to hear that Ty did not make it…The last words I said to him when I last saw him were that he was family to us- son, brother, uncle! Gone. So sad. Angry too. It just does not feel fair-for him, for all of us. But I also can hear him telling us not to stay with grief for too long…to make the best of our lives which are relatively short however long we get to live, to live our dreams, to love and find peace and happiness. It’s what he wanted for to see for his close friends and family. In his honour, make sure you go it. Make him happy too.
Sorry bout your loss
Sad news. The last I heard, he was making some progress. RIP
TY was an inspiration. So humble and positive. Spreading love and hope with his music. A true conscience Hip Hop pioneer. Taken much, much too soon. Rest in Peace.
This pains me he was my brother bear. RIP!
A pioneer of UK rap, at a time where there were few venues that hosted artists circa 1990 onwards. Many of us took creative routes and the mainstream caught on here & there. To be frank, l knew him from when we were at neighbouring schools, from the days of high tops & fades. We have lost a huge part of our history with Ty, not some regular artist but part of a culture where love was the key, not fighting. Where freestyle competitions ended with hugs. Music transcends a lot of differences and artists like Ty, were in the middle of that. His support interns of my own trajectory will never be taken lightly. Rest in power & peace #Icon.
Ty, a guy with a heart of gold! True gent and inspiration, beyond the music, an angel of a man has left us.Ty you touched so many people with your time here ‘like you never’ knew! Big Prayers for you Brother! Rest In Paradise! One Love! ?
Ty was certainly one of the good ones.
Such a wonderful guy & incredibly talented. His loss will be deeply felt by all. J x
Heart broken what a blessed brother known ty many years when I first did poetry he was one of my main early inspirations growing up in the 90s he gave me confidence as a young Uk rapper to keep working on my craft always appreciated and supported
TY was an exceptional person and artist, I met him in 2000 the year after my Sister Sandra died as Kindred spirit was set up to commemorate her love for the arts, as a singer/ song writer. TY graced the stage there many time’s over and we always had a good dance after.
He was a gentle soul,I coached him voice privately which was a very personal journey that opened up many thing’s for him. He gave 100% we laughed and shared many great time’s together. So glad my daughter and I saw you just after your father passed, we hugged and shared a short time together, for which I’m grateful for.
R.I.P dear one love you ???
Always loved your energy ty x rip x
Salute the king❤
Man is from the ghetto gramma days!?
Is Painful
RIP Ty.
Met him at an event in December.
He was a brother
TY was such a conscious old school rapper from back in the days. May his soul Rest In Peace #corona #pandemicvirus
THEY put him in an induced coma. I remember that book.
RIP…so sad.
I don’t believe it was Coronavirus. It’s been said that many blacks are told they have it without testing to keep putting a black face on this. We are going to keep believing God and not the wicked media.
Wow I’m heart broken I’m a new fan my prayers go out to his family at this difficult time rip my friend.
R. I. P Bro ur gone but not forgotten
Super hurt ? I honestly am upset, this guy is the definition of a artist….. I can’t type anything else. R.I.P.
Rip Brother. Your light will forever shine ??
This is horrible news. Loved Ty!
God bless you brother RIP
Sending my prayers to the family!GOD bless you on the loss of Mr.Ty!!!Lifting you all up to GOD! ? Love from my heart! Jeffery Kinnie!!! Atlanta!!!
RIP TY , Love always
His lyrics were fire! One of the best to do it from the UK. He reminded me if the great Pharoahe Monch. I’m not from the UK but I’m a hop hop purist and he certainly defined that with his sound and lyrical prowness.
May he rest in paradise!
Great soul, good man. I have not met him personally however, the myriad tributes from folks in here attests to his character. RIP brother. May your soul find peace where ever you are. Travel well! God bless!!
Wow he was truly talented rip
Prayers for the family and friends in Jesus name I speak healing?and love
I’m so sorry 2 hear this.
Please LORD, BE WITH his close family & friends, touch & strengthen the HEARTS & MINDS of all who were impacted by his life. Bring healing, PEACE , and LOVE ONLY like YOU can, dear HEAVENLY FATHER, in the MIDST of this STORM show that YOU are Here & Promised 2 be with us in Every STORM.
Help EVERY person who knew him & of him to carry with them the GOOD examples of his life & apply every good thing he taught, knowing that in that, he lives on, & his life made & will continue 2 make a GREAT impact!….in JESUS Name, Amen!
So sad. Recent fan, coming from a lifelong NYC Hip Hop perspective.
His artistry and good examples of kindness and true love for humanity will live on. Hopefully he will still inspire one ore more new progressive voices to bring more light to these dark times.
Dig the digital crates for his work, truly amazing gems throughout.
Rip Brother