Ty

British hip-hop veteran Ty —best known for his 2004-released, Mercury Prize-nominated album Upward —has died at the age of 47 after contracting coronavirus . Born in London to Igbo-Nigerian parents, the rapper born Benedict Chijioke released his debut album, Awkward , in 2001, which showcased a quintessentially British take on American-styled boom-bap. Most impressively, Ty was revered highly for his storytelling, with early cuts like "Oh You Want More" earning him a very loyal following. The news of Ty's condition came from a fundraiser that was launched in early April , which said that he was "admitted into the hospital with medical complications related to Covid-19. Shortly after, he was put in a medically induced coma to temporarily sedate to help his body receive the appropriate treatment." After his condition began to improve, Chijioke was moved out of intensive care in mid-April, but following an update posted on his fundraising page, organiser Diane Laidlaw said: "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... close friends, family and fans are devastated of his death."