British entrepreneur and YouTube star Jamal Edwards has died aged 31, BBC News reports.
Edwards was the founder of the online music platform SBTV, which helped launched the careers of UK artists including Ed Sheeran, Jessie J, Stormzy, and Skepta.
The Independent reports that the pioneering figure in British rap and grime music died of a "sudden illness" according to his mom, TV presenter Brenda Edwards.
"It is with the deepest heartache that I confirm that my beautiful son Jamal Edwards passed away yesterday morning after a sudden illness," she wrote in a statement.
"Myself, his sister Tanisha, and the rest of his family and friends are completely devastated. He was the center of our world," she added, before asking that people respect their family's privacy while they mourn.
Born in London, Edwards started his YouTube channel when he was still in school, with the aim of making local music available online. From there the platform grew and grew until it became SBTV - an online space where urban music could thrive.
Edwards gave early exposure to almost every key player in the UK grime scene, with a star-studded list including the likes of Stormzy, Skepta, JME, J Hus, Lady Leshurr, Dave, AJ Tracey, Krept & Konan, and Headie One.
Publicity shy Edwards quickly became known as an entrepreneur and businessman and in 2014 he was appointed an MBE for services to music.
Meanwhile, he always put his public profile to good use, funding youth centers, campaigning for mental health causes, and giving other young entrepreneurs a platform.
Since the news of his death, tributes have already begun pouring in from the many musicians who he helped and influenced.
Chart-topping rapper AJ Tracey tweeted "RIP Jamal Edwards, west London legend status," while rapper Dave wrote, "thank you for everything words can't explain."
Meanwhile, Bafta award-winning actor and director Adam Deacon tweeted that he was "honestly heartbroken," saying: "Jamal was one of the nicest, most down to earth and humble men I’ve met in this industry. He always gave me time even when no one else would."
Comedian Mo Gilligan who hosted this year's Brit awards also paid tribute in a tweet, writing that Jamal was "a truly humble and blessed soul. Your legacy will live on for years & you've inspired a whole generation."
