DOT Rotten has died at the age of 37, with his family confirming the sad news. No cause of death has been announced, though reports said the grime artist died in Gambia.
Born Joseph Ellis in Stockwell, south London, he was a key name in grime from a young age, starting to rap and make music when he was just seven. He first emerged as Young Dot before adopting the Dot Rotten name, and built early buzz through platforms including Rinse FM and SB:TV.
His career included work with major names across UK music, including Ed Sheeran, Chip, D Double E and Cher Lloyd.
In 2012, he landed a Top 20 hit with Overload, a track he said drew on his struggle with major depression. That same year, he released his debut album, Voices in My Head, and was nominated for the BBC’s Sound of 2012.
Dot Rotten also appeared on the 2011 Children In Need charity single Teardrop after being invited by Gary Barlow, joining a line-up that featured Wretch 32, Labrinth, Ms Dynamite and Rizzle Kicks. After later splitting from Mercury Records, he continued releasing music independently.
In more recent years, he worked heavily behind the scenes under the name Zeph Ellis, writing and producing for artists including Kano and AJ Tracey. He had also returned to the Dot Rotten name, recently releasing the single Psalms For Praize as a reflection on his career.
Following news of his death, tributes poured in from across the grime scene. Sway, KWest, Michael Hall, Logan Sama, Wiley and Bouncer Play Dirty were among those who shared messages honoring his talent, influence and support for other artists.
