UK Reggae artist David Victor Emmanuel, better known as Smiley Culture, died of a stab wound today following a police raid on his home.
Police arrived at his house with a warrant prepared to make an arrest when the injuries occurred. One would have to assume that it is connected to the charges of conspiracy to supply cocaine in September 2010. While it is unclear how Emmanuel’s injury took place, it’s hard to believe that it was self-inflicted.
Although I paved the way for people like the Streets and Dizzee Rascal, I left the music business because I wasn’t rich.
Damn.
Smiley Culture released 2 albums during the 1980′s and was best known for the singles “Cockney Translation” and “Police Officer”. Truly a pioneer of British reggae rap, Smiley should be remembered for the gifts he gave multiple generations of music fans and not his untimely death.
Read more @ The Guardian:
Smiley Culture made us proud to be black and British
Musician Smiley Culture dies during police raid on Surrey home
