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Ruff Sqwad’s DJ Scholar has died

News of the pioeering grime artist's passing was confirmed yesterday

Martin Guttridge-Hewitt
Wednesday, December 8, 2021 - 14:11

Ruff Sqwad's DJ Scholar has died.

News of the pioneering grime DJ's passing broke on Tuesday 7th December. At the time of writing, the cause of death is unknown, and the deceased's family has not yet issued a statement. 

DJ Scholar's death has been met with outpouring of emotion from across the UK music scene, and specifically the London grime community. 

"I feel sick to the stomach. To find out my boy Scholar has passed away has destroyed me," DJ Jedah said on Twitter, a friend of Scholar's who dedicated a sizeable portion of his Pyro Radio show to the late artist yesterday.

"Even recently I was speaking to him on the phone near enough every night till the late hours," he continued. "I know he was fighting his demons and I did my best to keep him positive and not lose focus." 

Scholar rose to prominence as a member of Ruff Sqwad between 2004 and 2010, alongside the likes of XTC, Sir Spyro, and Tinchy Stryder. Formed in 2001, the Bow, East London-based crew played a pivotal role in the explosion of grime during the early years of this century, releasing seminal mixtapes 'Guns and Roses Volume 1' and the sequel, 'Guns and Roses Volume 2', alongside the lauded album, 'White Label Classics'.  

The collective — now a trio comprising Prince Rapid, Fuda Guy, and Roachee — has had a significant impact on the UK music scene. In September, Space Afrika told DJ Mag how the crew influenced their adolescent listening years, and, in turn, their latest LP. 

"Rest in Peace DJ Scholar," Bok Bok posted.