Major Ace, one of the original grime MCs, has passed away. The death of the musician, real name Luke Moreno, was confirmed by his brother who revealed he had been suffering from a brain tumor for three years. He died on Sunday, October 8.
Breaking the news on Instagram, Cass wrote: βMy older bro Luke Monero/Major ace! has sadly passed away.. He was suffering from a brain tumour.. Love u 4eva bro β€ LEGEND IN THE GAME.β
As a member of the Pay As U Go collective, Major Ace was among the first U.K. MCs pioneering the grime sound at the turn of the century. He was an original member of the group, that included Wiley, God's Gift, Flow Dan, Riko Dan, and Plague A Lero alongside DJs Slimzee, Geenius, and Target. Pay As U Go enjoyed U.K. chart success with "Champagne Dance" in 2001.
Major Ace would then go on to form East Connection with Maxwell D and Godβs Gift following Pay As U Go's split in 2002.
Wiley was among the MCs paying tribute to Major Ace following the news of his death. See below for a round-up of reactions to the news.
I saw bare missed calls this morning and I knew something was not right The man who loved Pay as u go the most passed away.Major Ace #RIP
— Chasing The Art #BBK (@WileyUpdates) October 9, 2017
R.I.P Major Ace.
— SKEPTA (@Skepta) October 9, 2017
An inspiration to many. π―
Like I still canβt believe this man, I mean wow! Original in this, we grew up listening to you, Pay as you go, Rinse fm, shut down raves etc. #RIPMajorAce ππππΎ
— Tinchy Stryder (@TinchyStryder) October 8, 2017
RIP Major Ace. Lord knows he was one of the mcβs who made me wanna do this. When I first heard them Pay As You Go verses... ππΎπΉπΎ
— Chipmunk (@OfficialChip) October 8, 2017
Absolutely shocking news to see while on air "RIP Major Ace" - one of the first Grime MC's I ever played inside a club with. A huge loss
— Plastician (@Plastician) October 8, 2017
Rest in peace my brother Major Ace. I don't wanna believe the news π©π©ππ½ thoughts and prayers are with his family right now.
— DJ Target (@DJTarget) October 8, 2017
Had the pleasure of meeting & working with Major Ace a good few times over the years. Sending β€οΈ to his friends and family #RIPMajorAce pic.twitter.com/0CDI8BQUlN
— mistajam (@mistajam) October 8, 2017
RIP Major Ace. Pirate radio/club land/foundation grime music SUPERSTAR. Ask Dizz, Wiley & anyone that was there at the beginning. Sad news.
— Twin (@TwinB) October 8, 2017
RIP Major Ace from the Pay As You Go Crew. Sending my condolences to his family & friends. I will remember him as a unique MC & a nice guy.
— DJ EZ (@DJEZOfficial) October 8, 2017
Rest in peace Major Ace.
— Manga (@MangaStHilare) October 8, 2017
R.I.P Major Ace ππΉ
— FR32π (@Wretch32) October 8, 2017