British rapper Dot Rotten, known for his pioneering work in the grime scene and a collaboration with Ed Sheeran, has died unexpectedly at the age of 37, his family confirmed to BBC News.
Joseph Ellis-Stevenson, who also performed as Zeph Ellis, passed away on March 9, 2026. Even as the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, some reports suggest he died in Gambia.
Dot Rotten gained recognition for his contributions to grime music, a distinctly British genre that has gained international traction in recent years. He appeared on Ed Sheeran’s 2011 EP, No. 5 Collaborations Project, on the track “Goodbye to You”.
The rapper also performed at the Hip Hop Kemp festival in Hradec Králové, Czech Republic, in 2012.
Among his most well-known tracks are “Overload,” which reached the UK Top 20 in 2012, as well as “Petrol Bomb” and “Bazooka.”
Dot Rotten was nominated for the BBC Sound of… award in 2012, recognizing him as a rising star in the UK music scene. The news of his passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fellow artists and fans alike, highlighting his impact on the grime and broader music community.
