Reports are coming SB: TV founder Jamal Edwards is dead.

West London figure started SB: TV in 2006, uploading his own artist videos – which he recorded as SmokeyBarz – to YouTube.

SB:TV quickly established itself as a key platform for emerging talent, with Jamal Edwards pushing it forward.

Expanding as a brand, hub platform YouTube is arguably responsible for helping to snap some of the biggest UK rap talents of this generation.

Although more closely associated with groundbreaking rap artists such as Stormzy, Dave, Krept & Konan, Nines and Yungen – to name a few – SB:TV also played a key role in establishing careers of artists from Jessie J and Ed Sheeran.

Continually adapting to the changing digital market, Jamal Edwards was revered both as a key tastemaker in British music and as a naturally gifted businessman.

Jamal Edwards published the best-selling eBook Self Belief: The Vision: How To Be a Success on Your Own Terms in 2013, and it was only last year that he launched the 8Bars app: to help young talents.

Highly acclaimed in the music industry, Jamal Edwards accepted an MBE in 2014 for his services to music and British industry.

Speculation surrounding Jamal Edwards’ health swept social media tonight, with Alhan Gencay – closely linked to SB:TV – paying tribute:

Fly high brother. thank you for everything pic.twitter.com/QhEs4KVwvI

— Alhan Gençay (@alhan) February 20, 2022

The tributes spanned music, business and football – Jamal was an avid Chelsea fan.

I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of my friend Jamal Edwards. I just spoke to him a few days ago. pic.twitter.com/GoJwPnx1C8

— Frank Khalid (@FrankKhalidUK) February 20, 2022

Here are just a few of the countless tributes:

RIP Jamal Edwards, West London legend status

— (@ajtracey) February 20, 2022

I think I can speak for all of us as artists and as supporters of the UK grime/rap scene when I say I owe this man so much! Helped me sometimes without even talking about it. RIP Jamal Edwards my man!!! I can’t believe I’m tweeting this. Legend. I love you.

— Jaykae (@Jaykae10) February 20, 2022

That day changed my life. You have changed the lives of so many people. The powers were unmatched. True ROI pic.twitter.com/f9Uw210se9

— Big Zuu (@ItsBigZuu) February 20, 2022

The Manor as a band owes a lot to Jamal Edwards for putting us on and believing in us early on. He supported us and was a good friend to us from the start. A gentleman and an inspiration, God rest your soul

— THE MANOR (@_TheManor) February 20, 2022

Honestly, I can’t believe what I read here. The main reason I was able to go anywhere with music was because of @jamaledwards he took a chance on me and supported me. Constantly supporting my music and encouraging me to get out more. Absolutely gutted and shocked to the core. RIP Companion pic.twitter.com/RexVbVpMI6

— Elro (@ElroRaps) February 20, 2022

Jamal Edwards

— Chunkz (@Chunkz) February 20, 2022

News of Jamal Edwards’ passing has been confirmed by many close to the media personality. UPDATE. SB:TV confirmed the death of Jamal Edwards to BBC News reporter Mark Savage, who forwarded the confirmation:

Jamal Edwards has died at the age of 31, https://t.co/t6P44sU87y confirmed to the BBC.

Incredibly sad. He was an important part of the UK music scene, giving early breaks to Dave, J Hus, Skepta, Emeli Sande and Ed Sheeran. Awarded an MBE when he was only 23 years old. Gone far too soon. TEAR.

— Mark Savage (@mrdiscopop) February 20, 2022

This is a breaking story, and will be updated.

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