MC Duke, the UK rapper and hardcore pioneer, has passed away, according to a statement released by Suburban Base Records on Sunday (April 21). The label, a frequent collaborator of the late rapper, shared the “profoundly sad” news of his death on Instagram and paid tribute to him in a post. MC Duke was considered one of the most influential artists in the early days of the UK hip-hop scene.
Born in London in 1968, MC Duke, whose real name was Rodney Basil Price, began his career in hip-hop during the 1980s. He first gained national attention when he appeared on the television show “The Dance Energy” in 1988. His debut album, “Organised Rhyme,” was released the following year and became a cult favorite. His signature sound combined tough rhymes with funky beats and helped to define the sound of early British hip-hop.
Following his commercial breakthrough, MC Duke continued to release influential music throughout the 1990s, collaborating with a wide range of artists and producers. He was celebrated for his distinctive, hard-driving sound and his uncompromising approach to hip-hop. Despite facing criticism from some quarters, MC Duke remained a popular and respected figure in UK rap until his untimely death.
The news of MC Duke’s passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from across the music world. Many artists have taken to social media to share their thoughts and memories of the rapper, and to pay their respects to his family and friends. Although his contributions to the UK rap scene will be sorely missed, his legacy as a pioneer and innovator will continue to inspire generations of artists to come
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