Tributes have poured in following the death of the UK hip-hop pioneer and founder of SBTV, Jamal Edwards, who passed away yesterday aged 31.
News first spread of his death last night, and the BBC later confirmed it. Edwards first founded the network back in 2006, and he played an instrumental role in helping launch the careers of Dave, Skepta, Ed Sheeran, and many others.
In 2014, Edwards was awarded an MBE for his services to music, and he also became an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust. He was recently spotted at the BRIT Awards and also reportedly performed a DJ set in North London on Saturday evening.
His mother, Brenda Edwards, has stated that her son died “after a sudden illness”. She said: “It is with the deepest heartache that I can confirm that my beautiful son Jamal Edwards passed away yesterday morning after a sudden illness.
“Myself, his sister Tanisha and the rest of his family and friends are completely devastated. He was the centre of our world.”
Edwards elevated the UK scene, and his platform directly transformed popular culture with a host of names owing their success to SBTV.
Following news of his death, AJ Tracey wrote, “RIP Jamal Edwards, West London legend status”. Meanwhile, Dave added: “Thank you for everything”.
Big Narstie wrote: “This can’t be real spoke to @jamaledwards today we doing video Wednesday.”
Revisit the poignant advert Edwards made about SBTV and his come up for Google Chrome in 2011 below.
