Grime Pioneer Dot Rotten Passes Away at 37

Tributes are pouring in for influential British rapper and producer Dot Rotten, born Joseph Ellis-Stevenson, following news of his death at the age of 37.

His family confirmed his passing to the BBC on Monday, March 9, though specific details regarding the cause of death remain undisclosed. Reports suggest the musician passed away while in the Gambia.

Regarded as a cornerstone of the UK grime scene, Ellis-Stevenson first gained prominence under the name Young Dot before achieving mainstream recognition with his 2012 Top 20 hit, “Overload.”

Throughout his prolific career, the South London native collaborated with high-profile artists such as Ed Sheeran, Cher Lloyd, and JME, and was nominated for the prestigious BBC Sound of 2012.

In recent years, he transitioned into production under the alias Zeph Ellis, creating instrumentals for major acts like Kano and AJ Tracey.

Following the announcement, prominent figures in the music industry, including Wiley, Sway, and Lady Leshurr, shared emotional tributes honoring his legacy as a “pioneering talent” and a “GOAT” of the genre.