RIP Darren Platt: Channel U founder has died

Today, upsetting reports that Channel U founder Darren Platt has passed away have begun to appear. Industry dedications to one of Grime’s pioneers have started to pour in on Twitter, with people from every corner of the scene upset by the news. We are deeply saddened to see a legend lost.

Channel U started in 2003 and was one of the only places to hear brand new British Grime and rap music. Later renamed Channel AKA in 2009, the channel aimed to “highlight to the public, the raw and unsigned talent we have in the UK, and give them a platform from which they could perform.” The outlet succeeded hugely in its mission, helping huge household names like Tinie Tempah, Dizzee Rascal, Chipmunk, Wretch 32, Devlin, Giggs, Skepta and Tinchy Stryder establish themselves.

Rest in peace Darren.

Ahhh man very sad news indeed this guy here initiated my first record deal many years ago the man behind channel u the biggest platform for us at the time rip Darren ????????????????????????????????

A photo posted by GHETTS (@therealghetts) on Jul 14, 2016 at 4:45am PDT

RIP Darren Platt ???????????? Sad news man. Channel U was so key in my career and many, many others. Good dude.

— Tinchy Stryder (@TinchyStryder) July 14, 2016

R.I.P Darren Platt a true pioneer of the UK urban music scene. You’re vision helped to make an industry. You’ll be missed ???? #RIPDarrenPlatt

— Walter Harris (@walterjharris) July 14, 2016

Today I lost the man that gave me and so many others their first opportunity in music. My heart hurts. Rest in paradise Darren Platt ❤️

— Cat Park (@CattiPark) July 14, 2016

Very sad news about Darren Platt. He was a pioneer for us. Lots of us owe him a lot. RIP ????

— Lilz-OfficialMediaPR (@LilzOfficial) July 14, 2016

R.I.P Darren Platt ????

This man did more than create a music channel, he created careers. My thoughts are with everyone at @channelAKA385

— Jonathan (@JonathanMusic_) July 14, 2016

R.I.P Darren Platt, the man who founded Channel U & AKA ????????

— JAMALWOON (@JamalWoon) July 14, 2016

Rip Darren platt! great guy opened a lot of doors for young musicians in the UK & a big help in my music career ❤️????

— Kayne Raime (@kayne_r) July 14, 2016

Just heard the very sad news about Darren Platt. He helped to build up so much for the whole culture… RIP <3

— tasha demi. (@TashaDemiOnline) July 14, 2016

Another UK music industry legend has left us :(. This guy is the master mind behind Channel U, Channel Aka & 360 Records. A visionary and a very kind person who helped me when I was at my lowest point, and got me back on top. Thank u Darren for pushing UK music/culture when no one else cared, u funded some of my favourite videos ever (Pow 2011, Mind Spinning, Fire Camp Move, Leave It Yeah Remix) and many more for other UK artists. Thx Dazza, forever be a ledge ❤️ #RipDarrenPlatt ????????

A photo posted by Dench Gang ???????????????? (@lethalbizzle) on Jul 14, 2016 at 3:46am PDT

By Marisa.