UK NEWS: 80S HIP HOP STAR DEREK B DIES
I have just been informed that 80s UK rapper Derek B (real name Derek Boland) has died.
Derek B was the first UK rapper to achieve pop success and went on to sign with Rush Artist Management. During this period he released several singles and the album Bullet From a Gun in 1988.
Boland suffered a heart attack and died in hospital.
Rest In Peace Derek.
November 16, 2009 at 11:48 am
R.I.P. Del
Listening to you spin @ Bentleys as a teen,
and also had the pleasure of filming your shows with Linden C & Sipho up & down the country in the 80’s…
Lots of great memories!
my deepest condolences to your Family & Friends.
OneLove & Light
November 16, 2009 at 11:56 am
WOW!!!!!I THOUGHT HE WAS GONNA DO AN INTERVIEW WITH YOU!!
November 16, 2009 at 12:04 pm
I was derek b girl friend and I was with him when he died
he was a lovely guy and i loved him very much.
He died at charing cross hospital. It was very sad and some of his closest friends came over he will be in the chapel of rest today
my love of my life
November 16, 2009 at 12:07 pm
i miss him so much
November 16, 2009 at 12:07 pm
@Tyiscloser
That was some years back. But it never happened
November 16, 2009 at 12:08 pm
r.i.p .. to a bad young brother!
November 16, 2009 at 12:09 pm
sorry for your loss lisa…..
we owe him a great deal!!
November 16, 2009 at 12:41 pm
thank you for that i loved him so much he is at peace his mum is flying in from dubai today
she will be with him today.
he was very amazing he died in the ambulance at 5.00pm and they did cpr until 5.58pm they couldnt do anymore
I cant believe he has gone and I keep playing his last messages that he said yesterday morning.
derek b is going to be missed
November 16, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Boyfreind pinstripe shirt red tie….. R.I.P..
November 16, 2009 at 1:05 pm
Very sad indeed. Just had it posted on my youtube that he’s gone. What a shame
(
November 16, 2009 at 1:12 pm
A sad loss for the music business. Derek B was a true poineer of UK Hip Hop. He will be sorely missed. Our prayers are with all his family and friends. Jay @ JBB in the UK
November 16, 2009 at 1:16 pm
Sad, sad news. GP
November 16, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Rest In Peace…
November 16, 2009 at 1:44 pm
I did not believe it when I heard it on facebook. I used to love his music when I was growing up in Sweden in the 80s.
RIP Legend and pioneer!
November 16, 2009 at 1:45 pm
Truly a sad day after another great of his era, has left us..
Your music & spirit lives on
R.I.P Derek
November 16, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Rip Derek B !!!
November 16, 2009 at 1:54 pm
SORRY TO HEAR THIS SHOCKING NEWS…..dEREK WAS A GREAT INFLUENCE TO ME DJING IN THEEIGHTIES AND HELPED ME PERSONALLY A LOT WHICH HE DID NOT HAVE TO DO!!!!!! WILL MISS HIM DEARLY…..SO SAD!
November 16, 2009 at 1:56 pm
SORRY TO HEAR THIS SHOCKING NEWS…..DEREK WAS A GREAT INFLUENCE TO ME DJING IN THE EIGHTIES AND HELPED ME PERSONALLY A LOT WHICH HE DID NOT HAVE TO DO!!!!!!……. WILL MISS HIM DEARLY…..SO SAD!
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November 16, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Was one of the first rappers I got into back in the late 80s. Had the pleasure of meeting him a couple of years back when he was selling off some of his old vinyl.
Top bloke – he even bust a verse of ‘Bad Young Brother’ acapella for me and my mate!
November 16, 2009 at 2:17 pm
sad news indeed. A pioneer of the UK scene. RIP
November 16, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Still dont believe it, waiting for Sid to ring he will be devastated. Lovely guy and sorry for everyones loss. xxx
November 16, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Dont believe it, sorry for everyones loss xx
November 16, 2009 at 3:17 pm
A real shock and so sad. I remember those days in the 80’s with me, Heidi and Derek in Soho, Rest In Peace Derek you didnt deserve this x
November 16, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Real sad news… The UK Hip Hop scene has lost one of its main influences. Derek/EZQ was ahead of his time and is now gone before his time.
November 16, 2009 at 3:38 pm
sorry to ask you this lisa… but it did come out of nowwhere
was it a sudden case of a heart attack.. or was their anything prior
November 16, 2009 at 3:39 pm
On behalf of all The Laviniere family, our sincere condolences to all the family and loved ones at this sudden tragic news. A true leader and founder.
A pioneer who went where others followed a legend from day one.
He will be sorely missed. Bobby n Steve and Family.
November 16, 2009 at 4:24 pm
I was very shocked & saddened to hear of Derek’s passing. Condolances to Derek’s family
November 16, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Such sad news.. A true Pioneer for Black Music/artists in this country. We all owe you!
Condolences to your family and friends
R.I.P ‘Bad Young Brother’
November 16, 2009 at 4:43 pm
derek was complaining of being short of breath since friday, he had a cold previously I told him to go to the doctors he didnt want to go.
on the saturday he said he was ok and sunday when I went over he was in a bad way.
I dont think there was anything else.
my hun love you forever
November 16, 2009 at 4:59 pm
R.I.P. to an original U.K. HipHop Pioneer much love x
November 16, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Proper liked and respected Derek. We worked together for a couple of years @ Faces in Gants Hill, still have some mental pictures of us together, done for a publicity thing at the club. RIP Brother, too many going these days. Anyone know about the funeral details?
November 16, 2009 at 5:26 pm
One of my early memories of Hip-Hop!
Very sad news.
RIP Derek
November 16, 2009 at 5:28 pm
First the father of Bentleys, Froggy and now the son, Derek Boland. He played some great music at Bentleys, which was such a special club at that time.
My condolences to his family, but he left us with such a rich legacy of how to appreciate good music.
Gone but not forgotten!
Madu
November 16, 2009 at 5:51 pm
okay i just mentioned that there was no mention of it on the bbc website and they got back to me in ten minutes… i just done a short interview detailing how important he was to the development of hip hop music in uk mainstream terms…
they wanted to validate the circumstances.. of his passing lisa.. i used what i learned from here…. if i was wrong .. i apologize.. but i felt he HAD TO GET MENTIONED TODAY!!!
and i have way of getting hold of anyone close to him other than on here…
bbc website should run a little somthing on him today .. i hope….
peace.. TY
November 16, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Really sad news, I lived with Derek and his now ex wife, Rebecca for a while in the 90’s…fond memories.
Love and condolences to his girlfriend Lisa, his mum and family and friends..xx
November 16, 2009 at 6:39 pm
This is shocking news RIP Derek B east london’s finest Influenced a nation,one of yhe best dj’s ever ever ..Bentley’s Zero Gravity & The WAG..Condolences to the Boland family..May your soul rest in peace….Bad Young Brother
November 16, 2009 at 6:45 pm
so there we go………
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8363336.stm
lisa and the other fam keeep your head up
November 16, 2009 at 6:56 pm
What sad sad news ……I used to cut his hair in south woodford George lane E18..such great memories of him always smiling…REST IN PEACE fella xx
November 16, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Another true pioneer is gone, very very sad, RIP
November 16, 2009 at 7:25 pm
My Dear Friend Derek,
I am so sad and shocked as many people will be, of you being taken from the world so suddenly and far to soon. Looking at the Bad young Brother video with me in it ,made me smile in this awful time.
Always were and will be special to my heart,
Your Pretty!!!
November 16, 2009 at 8:28 pm
My deepest condolences to all his friends and family.
RIP
November 16, 2009 at 9:16 pm
A HUMBLE LEGEND!!! A pleasure to have known, worked and toured with Derek back in the golden era of Hip Hop.
I just remember he produced ‘Bad Girls’, a track on our first album. He was big people to us even back then
Thoughts going out to all his family
Cookie
November 16, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Oh no, how sudden and sad
November 16, 2009 at 9:27 pm
thank you so much it is helping me reading these blogs and its great for all the tributes to read of how much he was respected.
November 16, 2009 at 9:53 pm
Sorry to hear about Derek’s passing-met him in Toronto via his uncle Andre whom i work with-a true gentleman and a pleasure to be around during his brief stay-my condolences and deepest sympathies to his family and friends.May God Bless.
November 16, 2009 at 11:45 pm
HELLO EVERYONE,
I AM DEREK’S AUNT FROM U.S.A. i WANT TO THANK YOU EACH FOR ALL OF YOUR CONDOLENCES.
WE ARE A HUGE FAMILY LIVING IN CANADA, USA, TRINIDAD AND EVEN DUBAI.
GOD’S BLESSINGS ALWAYS,
November 17, 2009 at 12:29 am
I worked with Del on many tracks as an artist. He was my co writer and producer. His energy was incredible and attention detail amazing. We once spent 2 days just listening to bass drums to get it right. I would wake Del up in his place in Woodford and his mum would cook us a Jamaican breakfast before we went to Konk studios in North London back in 94′. I felt that his musical ears should have been used in the industry to better use in the past few years. He would have made far better decisions than a lot of A&R today. I saw Del a year ago and felt down that he wasn’t involved enough in the industry. I miss him already. God Bless you Derek.
Martin Bell x
November 17, 2009 at 1:02 am
Many happy days in East London…..and beyond. Always time for a chat and a smile. We only just reconnected on Facebook last month after years of losing touch…..my husband and I were only saying last week ‘Derek B’s back in our life’……and hearing this sad news is shocking. Memories. Our condolences to Lisa (just read your messages on here) and the Boland Family. RIP Derek B.
November 17, 2009 at 11:15 am
Had the pleasure of playing some wicked dances in the 80’s, around East London
True legend from ….Miami Soul Beat Crew
Condolences to the family.
November 17, 2009 at 11:56 am
I first met Derek at Infants school and even then you could tell that he was going to go far! I have so many fond memories of nights out, partying and clubbing with the our friends, in and around Woodford. We were even neighbours at one point, but after I moved had not seen him for a while. I will miss you Derek you were ONE IN A BILLION !! My thoughts go out to Lisa and all of the Boland family. R.I.P
November 17, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Does anybody know any funeral details as a few people in the industry have asked and Would like to pay their respects
November 17, 2009 at 2:04 pm
Derek you gone to soon….. a real lovely guy, legend
Lord, I ask you to be with the family, give them the strength to help them get through this sad lost. Let them know you are there with them through this difficult time
God bless, prayers and love to you and condolences to your Family.. You will be truly missed Thank you for the memories, Friend. R.I.P
Sandra E & Debbie Sealy xx
November 17, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Derek’s Uncle Andre from Mississauga Ontario Canada
I am very, very saddened by this news – am just waiting to wakeup and find out this was all a bad dream.
Last year when he visited all he wanted to do was play all-fours (card game) after we watched movies. I told him all-fours one on one was no fun but we played anyways.
He also couldn’t wait for me to come home from work – so I could take him to my regular watering hole for beer, pool, wings and poker – as usual he knew all the regulars at the bar after two visits.
He will always remain by little brother and his sayings will oscillate in our household and our hearts forever – “Are you with-me!!” – “Yur Good!!”
Thank very much to all for these condolences.
Debbie, Andre and Justin
November 17, 2009 at 8:33 pm
my condolences to Derek’s family and friends,his music inspired me to be a dj, he was a dj ahead of his time,and will always be remembered, as one of UK’s best dj
November 17, 2009 at 10:08 pm
Derek and I lived together for 4 years and we had a crazy time together..even got hitched and crashed Jennys car on the way to the register office.. ohhh, the mad days.. we had fun and it ended in a car crash way.. I remember him laughing…he was a bad young brother!!!! xxRebecca de Ruvo
November 18, 2009 at 12:24 pm
I have only just heard this heartbreaking news today and I am totally in shock. I am a old girlfiriend of Derek’s and spent 5 crazy years with him. He was a true Gent and a little bonkers, But boy was he infectous and had a smile that would brighten anyones day!! Derek will always of been a major part of my life and we stayed in touch by facebook and he was always wishing me and my family well, In fact it was only saturday afternoon when i heared from him last, He was wishing my daughter well as she was poorly. I would love to attend his funeral to pay my last respects to him and give his gorgeous mother Jen a big hug. My thoughts go out to his girlfriend Lisa, I can only imagine what you are going through, Just remember Derek will always be with u and looking down and protecting you. Please please let me know of the funeral details. All my love kelly xxxx
November 18, 2009 at 11:23 pm
Fond memories of the 80’s when you were the DJ at our club Bentleys. R.I.P our Friend. Mark H and Jane.
Details of the funeral arrang would be appreciated if anyone knows.
November 19, 2009 at 3:51 am
Rest In Peace Derek. Don’t quite have the words yet mate.
Loss of our legend springs to mind.
One of the saddest days of my life.
For all those asking for funeral details.
St Marys Church, South Woodford, December 2nd
I’ll post more details as it comes…
Linden C
November 19, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Video interview he did way back http://vimeo.com/7660037
November 19, 2009 at 5:11 pm
Only just heard. We used to play five a side down at Latimer Road and hang out when Del came up to the TV festival in Edinburgh. A really sound bloke, always smiling and strong shoulder to shoulder company. Tremendously sorry for your loss. Top, top, bloke.
Rest in Peace Derek, you will be missed.
November 19, 2009 at 10:03 pm
Thanks Linden,
Mark wanted to call Dereks Mum to pass on condolencies but we have no contacts after all these years, I guess he will see her at the funeral.
Sincere condolencies to Lisa and all the family. We hope to meet up and come along to the funeral and would really appreciate you letting us know the time once arrangements have been made.
Jane and Mark H.
November 20, 2009 at 12:43 am
Only just found out of derrick b’s death.Very sad.I was only fifteen rapping in my room along with the legend.Sincere condolencies to his family.Far to young to pass away.R.I.P.
Johnny mac.
November 20, 2009 at 1:18 am
Will do !
November 20, 2009 at 2:34 am
DEREK B. CELEBRATION OF LIFE WILL TAKE PLACE ON
DECEMBER 3RD, 2009
TIME AND PLACE WILL BE PUBLISHED TOMORROW.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR CONDOLENCES.
November 20, 2009 at 10:09 am
It is his mum’s (Jen’s) wishes that the funeral arrangements are not posted on the interent.
OUT OF RESPECT PLEASE DO NOT POST ARRANGEMENT.
Many Thanks
Katie
November 20, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Be at peace bro’
Love you always
November 21, 2009 at 4:02 am
Oh NO .. NUFF RESPECT TO Jen
PLEASE TELL HER not to worry…..it will not be posted.
November 21, 2009 at 8:11 am
What a shock!
My thoughts are with Jenny, such a strong love between mother & son.
He touched so many with his love and so sad to be gone. He will live on in so many people’s hearts.
Be at peace bro’, will love you always, Conrad
November 21, 2009 at 1:48 pm
my interview and salute to Derek on RADIO 4’s ‘Last Word’ which was broadcasted yesterday http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00nws6m
November 21, 2009 at 8:41 pm
Derek B…
” Are you with-me!!”
“Yur Good!!”
I am not GOOD Derek why now, you was suppose to come back to Canada. He had so much fun with all his cousin in Canada.Some he knew and some he never met before.
He was my oldest son- My Baby- My Love- MY World such a shock to my world.
I am Derek’s Aunty Joe from Canada just THANKING YOU ALL for your lovely condolences.
He will always remain my baby – “Are you with-me Derek !!” –
I am Not Good “Yur Good!!”
Aunty Jo (as he will say)
November 22, 2009 at 6:04 am
Just found out listening to early morning Radio 1. Very sad news. I used to see Derek B around Ladbroke Grove/Latimer Road when I lived there in the early nineties. He always used to smile and say hi. He seemed like a true gentleman. So sorry for your loss.
November 22, 2009 at 10:44 am
Conrad please get in touch Jen would like you at the funeral katiewaddell@live.co.uk
Katie
November 22, 2009 at 8:56 pm
i met derek boland on 10 may 1980, the day west ham won the f a cup, at olivers nightclub in leytonstone.the place had a regular crowd which derek wasn’t part of,and he was on his own that night! i was givin it some to teena marie’s”behind the groove” when i spotted derek(or “REG” as we one day decided to call ourselves!) dressed from head to toe,identically to me;levis denim jkt,stripey t,jeans and black suede espadrilles from griffins in ilford.he spotted me,we laughed,shook hands,and became close friends for the next six years.music ran through dereks viens,as it does mine.but derek was on a mission from the start.he was born to create something.listening and playing other peoples music was never enough for him.i felt that.what about the memories? decorating his bedsit in sth woodford;doing re-edits in his bedroom on a cassette deck using the pause button!;the hippodrome on opening week in ‘84 both dressed in full tuxedoes;in bow snooker hall til 5am;his truly awesome jacko megamix at bentleys in ‘84; meeting his gorgeous mum jenny and witnessing just how much they idolised each other;selling my ENTIRE vynil collection to him for 50 quid! ;dedicating the jacksons”give it up”to me on his first radio broadcast,which i still play to this day in my own set. we lost touch from’86 onwards,but in ‘88 i saw the 12″ of “bad young brother” hanging in our price records window in ilford and thought “he’s only gone and done it!”.i am privilaged to have known del,his friendship will never leave me.my heart is with his mum,his family and friends at this sad time, GOODNIGHT REG love always,john.
November 24, 2009 at 2:15 pm
MOJO Magazine plan to run an Obituary on Derek in their next issue and would love to speak to someone close to Derek about writing about his musical life.
It’s an honour that MOJO Magazine wishes to salute Derek.
Please get in touch if anyone would be interested in doing this for Mojo.
cookiecrumble20@hotmail.com
Thanks
Cookie
November 26, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Chilli Palmer,
Its been over a week now since the terrible shock of your loss and I still can’t believe that its true.
For those of us who knew you and stayed close to you, you’ll be missed in so many ways.
Your passionate creativity, wonderfully twisted sense of humour and childlike enthusiasm – yet brilliant vision – for wanting to make new things happen are just some of the things that, with you, have been taken far, far too soon.
May your soul now be at rest and your star shine as brightly as the character you always were and, to us, will always be.
We’ll miss you Chilli Palmer.
With love always,
Baldrick xxx
November 30, 2009 at 7:43 pm
It’s only when someone of the DJ calibre of Derek B. passes which is very sad, that we realize how much a trail blazer he was. I have never known a DJ that could keep the crowd rocking like from start to finish when D.B. got on the decks back in the day.
Derek B was a DJ that you wanted him to stay on because gave a certain type of energy & vibe, that kept you thinking what will he put on next to keep “Good Groove flowing. When he came off from the decks the other DJ was under a lot of pressure to keep the “Good Groove” rolling.
Back then if we 5 places to chose from, if D.B. is playing it was a no brainer and you wanted to get there then haggle through the crowd to get inside fast, without causing too much grief.
It’s true the music industry in the UK, have lost a GREAT talent who never got to show his full potential. In my view the 80’s as a DJ he was so cutting edge that he was ahead of the cut!!
When I just think of Bentley’s on Sundays and those great on-off parties in some of those big Victorian houses with high ceilings etc, playing on Norman Jay’s Good Times Sound System at carnival (80’s) only fill me and who were there with smiles and we all felt glad to be alive enjoying the moment, and never thinking for minute that one day D.B. would leave us.
We know times have changed but how many rappers have the dual talent, I don’t think any of them could play like Derek B.
What an era, what a DJ
My condolences go out to all his family, both near and far and the friends and fans that will truly miss a great UK DJ/Rapper legend.
Your mother must have been a blessed woman who brought a son into this world who gave a lot of joy to many. May god give you all the strength and support at this time.
Glen Manning N.W. London.
December 1, 2009 at 10:04 am
very sad news
only had a drink with him in southwoodford only last month
RIP fella
December 3, 2009 at 3:01 pm
derek I truly miss you, today has been the hardest day of my life.
I am glad now you are in a safe place.
love always
Lisa xxxx
December 3, 2009 at 11:57 pm
thinking of you every second x
December 4, 2009 at 12:03 pm
rest in peace brother
December 12, 2009 at 10:47 pm
Lisa PLEASE try to contact Derek’s Mom she will like to speak to you.
I am so sorry we did not get to meet you while we were there.
Jo-Ann B (Derek’s 2nd Mom in Toronto)
December 13, 2009 at 3:49 am
“In the history books’ rap hall of fame
The next three generations will remember my name.”
Derek B – Get Down
December 13, 2009 at 10:16 pm
There was so much more that we needed to do… Well… I guess this way you can help me more than ever… I thank you so much for all you’ve done for me, for all you’ve done for hip hop and for making’ our family very proud. You were the older brother that I never had. I dedicate my project to you. I love you, cuz…
Joel Boland (Mister, Mister)
December 22, 2009 at 10:16 am
Another Angel taken to make tunes in Heaven – We will all miss you Derek…
Loads of love to all the family from:
Clive and Andrew – When In Rome
December 25, 2009 at 9:33 am
merry christmas derek i miss you so much my heart is broken
love you babe xxxx
December 25, 2009 at 9:34 am
thinking of you every second miss you forever xxx
December 25, 2009 at 9:37 am
Jo Ihave spoken to dereks mum I am really sorry I didnt meet you
It would of been to much to handle every day is harder not
easier.
Hopefully we might meet again!!!!
take care and thank you xx
December 27, 2009 at 1:57 pm
today I feel so low thinking of you x