Sway, the British rapper who became a major influence on U.K. hip-hop, has died at age 44.
Born Derek Safo, Sway died at his home in Ghana, according to a close friend who confirmed the news to The Guardian. His cause of death has not been disclosed.
The MOBO Awards paid tribute to the rapper, who made history with the organization in 2005.
“Proud to have him as part of our history. Our love goes out to his family, loved ones and fans,” the statement read.
That history-making moment came when Sway became the first unsigned artist to win best hip-hop act at the MOBOs, defeating artists including 50 Cent and The Game. His debut album, “This Is My Demo,” followed in 2006 and earned a Mercury Prize nomination. Songs including “Little Derek” introduced wider audiences to his sharp, personal writing.
“I never felt at home anywhere,” he once said, explaining that he struggled to see himself fully reflected in the U.K.’s existing music scenes. He continued releasing music through his own Dcypha Productions label and later partnered with Akon’s Konvict Music.
Sway went on to score his biggest chart success with “Level Up,” which climbed to No. 8 in 2012.
Sway also helped nurture other artists, including KSI, while collaborating across genres with Ed Sheeran, Riz Ahmed, Kano and Kaiser Chiefs.
Sway married Helen in 2013 and was a father of four.