Rapper Dot Rotten has died (Redferns via Getty Images)

Tributes have been paid to grime pioneer Dot Rotten following his death at the age of 37.

The rapper and producer, whose real name was Joseph Ellis, died this week, his family confirmed to the BBC.

No details surrounding the circumstances of his death have been given, although reports online suggest he died in Gambia.

Born in Stockwell, south London, Ellis emerged as one of the most influential figures in the early grime scene. Known for blending gritty beats with introspective lyrics, he worked with a wide range of artists including Chip, D Double E, Cher Lloyd and Ed Sheeran.

He scored a Top 20 hit in 2012 with the single Overload, a deeply personal track inspired by his experiences with depression.

Dot Rotten worked with a wide range of artists including Ed Sheeran (pictured) (Getty Images)

Speaking at the time, Ellis revealed the song had been created spontaneously. “The whole song was freestyled, I didn’t write one word for it,” he told Distract TV, admitting he initially had reservations about releasing such a personal record.

“It’s not the song I wanted to come out with, but it’s done a lot and I appreciate all of the feedback I’ve been getting from it,” he said.

Ellis began making music at the age of seven, recording on an Atari computer system before releasing his first mixtape, This Is the Beginning, in 2007 under the name Young Dot.

He later adopted the stage name Dot Rotten — an acronym for “Dirty On Tracks, Righteous Opinions Told To Educate Nubians” — while also nodding to EastEnders character Dot Cotton.

His prolific Rotten Riddims mixtape series helped cement his reputation, with Clash magazine describing the instrumentals as some of grime’s most significant production work.

After gaining exposure through platforms such as Rinse FM and SB:TV, Ellis signed with Mercury Records and collaborated with artists including Ed Sheeran, Mz Bratt and Cher Lloyd.

He also featured on the 2011 Children In Need charity single Teardrop, organised by Gary Barlow and recorded alongside artists including Chip, Wretch 32, Labrinth, Ms Dynamite and Rizzle Kicks.

Ellis was nominated for the BBC’s Sound of 2012 list and released his debut album Voices In My Head the same year.

Although the album failed to break into the Top 100 amid a dispute with his label, he continued releasing music independently and increasingly focused on production.

Under the name Zeph Ellis, he produced tracks for major UK rap artists including Headie One, D-Block Europe and Nines. His instrumental XCXD BXMB was later sampled by both AJ Tracey and Kano.

In recent months, Ellis had revived the Dot Rotten name for a new single, Psalms For Praize, reflecting on his dedication to music.

Following news of his death, figures from across the grime scene shared tributes online.

“Very sad news. Sleep well Dot,” wrote rapper Sway, while DJ Logan Sama said Ellis had “talent in abundance”.

“His impact on the scene was not just as a brilliant artist but also the guidance and inspiration he gave to hundreds of other aspiring creators around him,” he added.

“Never, ever received the accolades or rewards for his craft that it deserved.”