Drum ‘n’ bass pioneer MC Skibadee has died aged 54

MC Skibadee, best known as one of the pioneers of drum ‘n’ bass, has died aged 54, his family have confirmed.

A post on Skibadee’s Facebook today (February 27) read: “Hello everyone, as Alphonsos first born i unfortunately come some with sad news to say that skibadee has passed away, as a family we ask for some privacy but may he rest in peace.”

A cause of death has not yet been revealed.

Born in Waterloo, London, the musician (real name Alfonso Bondzie) got his start on City Sound Radio around 1993. By the end of 1995 he was a resident for pirate station Kool FM and a regular at events such as Thunder & Joy, Johnson & Johnsons, Spirit of the Jungle, and more.

Two years later, he and MC Det launched a new project called 2Xfreestyle, which saw them merge drum ‘n’ bass tempos with hip-hop beats, therefore creating a double-time effect. Skibadee would perform this style with its innovator, the late Stevie Hyper D.

He achieved success with a number of tracks, most notably ‘Inside Me’, and over the years he won several awards for his work, including the 1Xtra award for Best MC in 2006 as well as the Stevie Hyper D Memorial Award For Lifetime Achievement at the 2010 Drum & Bass Awards.

Skibadee was also a member of drum ‘n’ bass group SASASAS, who released the album ‘Unite (DJ Mix)’ last year.

Tributes for Skibadee have started to pour in on social media, including one from Plastician. “Skibadee was your favourite MC’s favourite MC’s favourite MC,” the producer wrote. “I think he was the first person I ever heard MC, and I’m sure that would be the same for a lot of people my age. Can’t underestimate the foundations that guy built for everything we’ve had since then.”

Skibadee was your favourite MC’s favourite MC’s favourite MC.

I think he was the first person I ever heard MC, and I’m sure that would be the same for a lot of people my age.

Can’t underestimate the foundations that guy built for everything we’ve had since then.

— Plastician / Stish (@Plastician) February 27, 2022

“RIP Skibadee. Can’t believe Im writing this right now,” wrote Friction. “Had some amazing times with him on stage over the years. An absolute legend of our scene and will be remembered forever ”

DJ Fresh tweeted: “I cannot believe I’m writing this. RIP @TheRealSkibz MC Skibadee. His contribution to Drum and Bass can never be equaled. He was first and foremost a great guy I always really enjoyed spending time with. Goodbye old friend, we will keep your memory alive forever.”

“We lost another legend,” DJ Semtex added. “Rest in peace Skibadee, pioneer, and true lyrical master. Deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fans ”

RIP Skibadee. Can’t believe Im writing this right now. Had some amazing times with him on stage over the years. An absolute legend of our scene and will be remembered forever

— Friction (@friction) February 27, 2022

I cannot believe I’m writing this. RIP @TheRealSkibz MC Skibadee. His contribution to Drum and Bass can never be equaled. He was first and foremost a great guy I always really enjoyed spending time with. Goodbye old friend, we will keep your memory alive forever.

— DJ Fresh (@DJFreshUK) February 27, 2022

You can see more tributes to Skibadee below:

Skibba Rip general

— GHETTS (@THEREALGHETTS) February 27, 2022

RIP Skibadee, a true legend to grace the stage and an amazing person Thoughts are with his loved ones currently.

Jungle/DnB has lost a real icon today. Devastating news

— Danny Byrd (@dannybyrd) February 27, 2022

RIP MC Skibadee. An MC’s MC, real drum & bass hero.

— Despa Robinson (@DespaRobinson) February 27, 2022

This is really really awful. Post before last, Skibadee is paying tribute to Jamal who passed a week ago today. Like seriously I need to understand what does any of this mean?!

— Funk Butcher (@FunkButcher) February 27, 2022

RIP Skibadee. Totally shocked. Inspirational to a generation of MCs. pic.twitter.com/XwsikyN0kq

— Steppa (@SteppaMusic) February 27, 2022

Man…. RIP the LEGEND Skibadee

— Twin (@TwinB) February 27, 2022

The scene just lost one of it’s OG kings. I’m in shock, I don’t know what else to say …

Rest easy Skibadee

— Doc Scott (@docscott31) February 27, 2022

fucking hell. I didn’t want to believe it but seems an official post went up on his fb again.. RIP Skibadee, an icon of Jungle D&B who inspired countless MCs in many genres. really awful news, love & condolences to his family & close friends

— Flight (@DJFlight) February 27, 2022

RIP Skibadee. Devastating news.

— John B (@johnbbeta) February 27, 2022

After Steve Hyper D died in 98 I always felt like Skibadee stepped up and filled that huge void. First time I heard him was a tape of Heat @ Hastings Pier in 96. Absolutely killed it every time I saw him on the mic.

— whosayreload (@PaulDJStepOne) February 27, 2022

Bro I had a beat ready for you, and you didn’t even know as I was gonna reach out this week This is all too much now. It’s making zero sense. The King of all MCs, such a presence, the iconic Skibadee.

Rest In Eternal Peace, Skiba. pic.twitter.com/M4FV7nFbYr

— MIKE DELINQUENT (@mikedelinquent) February 27, 2022

Had the pleasure of seeing this guy work… the skill… the deft… the commitment. We are losing giants… RIP Skibadee

— michelle gayle (@michellegayle1) February 27, 2022

R.I.P skibadee I really really loved this Donny one of my hero’s growing up and still was all my life this hurts big bro

— Godson Of Grime (@saskilla) February 27, 2022

I am in complete shock. RIP Skibadee, a pioneer in the truest sense of the word, an icon, an inspiration to all generations of British musicians and MCs, a king in the Drum & Bass, Grime and all corners of British music and culture.

Immortal through music pic.twitter.com/RFHdbruCC5

— MUZZ (@MUZZHQ) February 27, 2022

RIP Skibadee pic.twitter.com/t9pXOVqhOm

— Danny de Reybekill *Swiss army knife of Sound* (@reybekillbrum) February 27, 2022

We’ve lost a legend – so sad #Skibadee

My thoughts are with family, friends and fans pic.twitter.com/sactDJuq8b

— Slipmatt (@Slipmatt) February 27, 2022

My heart is broken rest up Skibadee what an absolute legend, I’m completely floored. My dad and I stayed memorising his bars and listening back to sets he was on during long drives. This is so saddening.

— CEO of Yelling (@ChantayyJayy) February 27, 2022

Absolutely devastated with the news of Skibadee, RIP
We grew up listening to his bars and legendary sets, and at any rave you knew as soon as he touched down the energy went through the roof. Our thoughts are with friends and family

— My Nu Leng (@MyNuLeng) February 27, 2022

RIP Skibadee another legend taken sad loss

— Hitzofficial (@hitmansonline) February 27, 2022

RIP Skibadee

— TS7 (@TS7music) February 27, 2022

The post Drum ‘n’ bass pioneer MC Skibadee has died aged 54 appeared first on NME.