Ty Chijioke, most commonly known as Ty, was a British rapper, born Benedict Chijioke in London, England, on August 17, 1972, and died on May 7, 2020, from complications related to COVID-19. He was a significant figure in the UK hip hop scene.
Ty released five studio albums throughout his career: Awkward (2001), Upwards (2003), Closer (2006), Special Kind of Fool (2010), and A Work of Heart (2018). Upwards was nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2004, a prestigious award recognizing the best album from the United Kingdom and Ireland.
He was known for his thoughtful lyrics, complex rhyme schemes, and jazz-influenced beats. He collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Soweto Kinch, De La Soul, and Speech from Arrested Development. Beyond his solo work, Ty was a mentor and influential figure for many emerging British hip hop artists. His death was met with widespread mourning and tributes from across the UK music industry.
