Edwards' company confirms YouTube star awarded MBE in 2014 for his work in music has died.
Deacon added: “He was an inspiration and what he achieved in life was truly remarkable. When he found success, Edwards undertook extensive philanthropic work, including in mental health and the funding of youth centres. Rapper AJ Tracey posted: “RIP Jamal Edwards, west london legend status.” Dave added: “Thank you for everything … words cannot explain.” Lethal Bizzle called Edwards “one of the pioneers in UK music”. Musician Example wrote on Instagram: “Can’t believe you’re gone. Thinking of his friends and family at this devastating time. He always gave me time even when no one else would.” His YouTube channel was established in 2006 and now boasts 1.2m subscribers and nearly 1bn total views.
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He was an inspiration and what he achieved in life was truly remarkable.” “Jamal was one of the nicest, most down to earth and humble men I’ve met in this industry. He was the center of our world.” “YouTube was like a year old. “My first ever interview was with you. “It was a frustration of going to school and everyone talking about ‘How do we get our videos on MTV,’” Edwards later recalled.
Jamal Edwards, a major figure in the British music industry known for founding the music platform SBTV, has died. He was 31.
Beyond music, Edwards was also a practicing director, author and designer. In 2014, Edwards was awarded an MBE in 2014 for his contributions in music. While developing SBTV, Edwards received a BTEC diploma in media moving image from Ealing Art College. The name of the channel was derived from Edwards’ rap stage name, SmokeyBarz.
Jamal Edwards, a music entrepreneur best known for founding media platform SBTV, has died at the age of 31.
My heart goes out to @brendaedwardsglobal and the whole family. As his success grew, Edwards turned his hand to philanthropy as an ambassador for the Prince's Trust, a youth charity run by the Prince of Wales that helps young people set up their own companies. was a birthday tribute to his "brother," Ed Sheeran. Sharing a vintage photo of the pair in Marbella, Spain, he wrote: "Happy Birthday to the OG, Ed. Blessed to have you in my life brother. Edwards was a pioneering figure in British rap and grime music. Myself, his sister Tanisha and the rest of his family and friends are completely devastated. Jamal was an inspiration to myself and so many.
Edwards died Sunday morning after suffering a sudden illness, his mother, singer and "Loose Women" presenter Brenda Edwards, said in a statement Monday.
"Rest in Peace, Jamal Edwards. To think how many dreams were fulfilled and how much potential was discovered because of your platform and work," comedian Munya Chawawa said in a tweet. Jamal Edwards was an inspiration to so many, supporting artists and shaping culture through @SBTVonline," a statement posted to YouTube's Twitter account said. "Today I was on set when I found out the tragic news that my good friend Jamal Edwards had passed away and I’m honestly heartbroken," actor Adam Deacon said in a tweet. In 2014, Edwards was appointed an MBE for services to music. "Jamal was an inspiration to myself and so many. In his last Instagram post, shared on Feb. 17, Edwards wished Sheeran a happy birthday, writing: "Blessed to have you in my life brother.
Edwards set up SB.TV, one of the first YouTube channels dedicated to British rap music, and was also key to Ed Sheeran's early success.
Edwards grew up in Acton, a suburb of London. When he was 15, his mother gave him a video camera for Christmas, which he used to record friends rapping. In 2014, he went to Buckingham Palace, the home of Britain’s royal family, to receive one of the country’s highest honors for his services to music. Edwards set up the YouTube channel SB.TV in 2006, at first posting clips of rappers performing on street corners and in public housing projects. Edwards posted a video of Ed Sheeran in 2010, more than a year before the British singer-songwriter released his first single on a major label. Despite the underground roots of Edwards’s fame, he had long been recognized by Britain’s establishment. “Maybe seeing me do that will give them more self belief.”