UK Grime pioneer Dot Rotten has died at 37, his family confirmed.
The British rapper, born Joseph Ellis, built a reputation as one of the early voices shaping the gritty sound that emerged from London’s underground music scene in the 2000s. Over the years, he worked with artists across genres, collaborating with names including Ed Sheeran, Labrinth, Cher Lloyd and D Double E.
Ellis grew up in Stockwell, a neighborhood in South London, and began releasing music as a teenager. His stage name, Dot Rotten, stood for “Dirty on Tracks, Righteous Opinions Told to Educate Nubians.”
Dot Rotten, Tempman & Big Narstie
— Taste Maker (@Jayboy134501) March 9, 2026
Brockwell Park 2002 pic.twitter.com/ZWTYjfVSmM
In 2012, he reached the UK Top 20 with the single “Overload,” a track that introduced his music to a wider audience. He later released albums and mixtapes that continued to blend emotional storytelling with the heavy production associated with grime.
Despite industry recognition, Ellis remained closely tied to the underground scene that shaped his career. “I’m very grounded,” he once said. “I try to stay very balanced.”
Tributes quickly spread across social media following news of his death.
DJ Logan Sama wrote, “His impact on the scene was huge. He inspired so many people.”