Grime Rapper Major Ace Has Died

Grime pioneer Major Ace has passed away. According to his younger brother, who broke the news through an Instagram post, Ace died this past Sunday (Oct. 8) after suffering from a brain tumor for the last three years.

"My older brother Luke Monero/Major Ace/Majorace Monero Demajor Ace Monero has sadly passed away early hours this morning... I'm in absolute pieces," wrote Ace's brother. "He was suffering from a brain tumour for almost 3 years now... me and my mum looked after him every day and it was our pleasure," he continued. "What a personality and soul he was! I honestly can't handle any more phone calls but messages are OK... if u knew him or knew of him please share and let everyone know the sad news. I'm so proud of my big bro he achieved so much in his short life! Love u bro forever LEGEND IN THE GAME x."

A member of the U.K.-based rap collective, Pay As You Go, Ace, born name Luke Monero, helped push the grime genre to then-unseen heights in the early 2000s. He was an original member of the group comprised of members Riko Dan, God's Gift, Wiley, Flow Dan, Plague A Lero and DJ's Slimzee, Geenius, and Target.

Pay As You Go reached their peak with the release of their 2001 hit, "Champagne Dance," before breaking up in 2002. While the group split, their impact played a role in laying the tracks for grime superstars like Skepta, who took home the 2016 Mercury Prize for best album last year.

We at XXL would like to extend our condolences to Major Ace's family and friends at this time.

Grime Reacts to Major Ace's Death