Rapper Derek B has passed away after reportedly suffering a heart attack yesterday.
The musician, real name Derek Boland, was taken to London's Charing Cross Hospital on Sunday morning. However, paramedics were unable to resuscitate the 44-year-old, reports NME.
The star was known for his influence on the UK hip-hop scene throughout the '80s. He initially worked as an A&R man for the Music Is Life label, where he also recorded the track 'Rock The Beat'. The song later went on to be released as a single, followed by other tracks including 'Good Groove' and 'Get Down'.
The singles' popularity led to a number of high-profile appearances for Derek B on mainstream UK television and radio, including Top Of The Pops - one of the first appearances for a UK rapper on the show.
Simon Harris, who founded Music Is Life, paid tribute to Boland today, saying: "It is with great sadness that I heard the terrible news that Derek Boland has passed away. Derek was a wonderful person and a great talent, it was a privilege to have known and worked with him over the last 25 years.
"Derek was always a huge inspiration to me and can never be replaced, his tragic death at such a young age is a great loss to everyone who has known him and also his many fans."
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