Grime’s Foundation Major Ace Passes Away

By Courtney Francis Photography by Courtney Francis

In the story of Grime, the Pay As U Go crew are one of the foundations that the genre is built on. Sadly, yesterday one of Grime’s most notable MCs, Major Ace, passed away last night.

Major Ace, whos real name is Luke Monero, had been suffering from a brain tumor for almost 3 years.

I will remember Major Ace from his opening verse on what is arguably the first ever Grime song. ‘Know We’ was released in 2001 and shook the underground with its deep bass and striking lyrics. After leaving Pay As U Go, telling his story on the popular Risky Roadz, he went on to form East Connection with God’s Gift and Maxwell D.

Horyuken, bun yuh like ken
Triple dragon, never come back again
Punks, imitators, fassyholes
Really wanna know then step to my flow

Major Ace will be remembered for being powerful and energetic on the microphone. The underground scene has lost one of it’s pioneers. His art will forever be part of Grime history. The Grime scene has flooded social media with heartfelt messages and examples of his time on radio set and live performances.

I was fortunate enough to photograph him during an Eskimo Dance set and when he went in to Mista Jam’s show on BBC 1Xtra. Rest in Peace Luke ‘Major Ace’ Monero. Our condolences to his family and loved ones.

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