The pioneering grime artist Terror Danjah, much admired for his lush, playful and propulsive style of production, has died. A label representative confirmed the news to the Guardian via a family member, though a cause of death, and his age, have not been given.
Among those paying tribute was Kevin Martin, AKA producer the Bug, who wrote: “A fantastic producer, big hearted person and criminally underrated outside of grime circles … a positive force, sorely missed.”
Terror Danjah was born Rodney Pryce in Forest Gate, the son of Jamaican parents, whose soundsystem house parties left a big impression on the young music fan. He cited Public Enemy, Timbaland and soundsystem culture as influences on his musical sensibility. He formed Reckless Crew in 1998, a collective that garnered attention from its sets on Rinse FM, and said that his love of jungle inspired him to start producing his own material.
Pryce made an impact in the early 2000s as a producer for Nasty Crew, working alongside MCs such as Kano and Hitman Hyper. He was among a clutch of producers who pioneered the short-lived R&G (rhythm and grime) movement. His 2005 collaboration with Sadie Ama, So Sure, introduced a softer side of grime, inspired by what Pryce described to the Quietus as his background in reggae, R&B and soul.
He formed his own label, Hardrive records, in 2007, and released solo material through Butterz and Planet Mu. The latter released Pryce’s debut collection Gremlinz in 2009, which “rewrote the twin narratives of grime and dubstep with Danjah placed firmly at the centre, making him instantly relevant” according to dance music publication XLR8R.
He was also considered a key voice in the current sound of grime, noted for what his label Tru Thoughts called his “trademark heavy basslines, intricate programming and kinetic productions, with a sonic output that is brash, neon-bright and hyperactive”, along with his trademark “gremlin” cackle audio stamp. He collaborated with acts including Wiley, Dizzee Rascal, Kano and Tinie Tempah, and released a split 12-inch with Four Tet, Killer/Nasty, in 2014.
Pryce became seriously unwell in August 2019 after suffering a stroke, and his family released a statement at the time to confirm that he was in a critical condition. Pryce made a number of records for the dance label Hyperdub, which stated that he was in a coma at the time, but he later recovered. His most recent releases date to that year: the album Invasion, and the EP Red Flag.
Other peers from the grime and rap scenes have paid tribute, including rapper and TV presenter Big Zuu who called Pryce “a very kind soul who always had time for the mandem and just wanted to see us win. Sending prayers and blessings to your family.”
Producer and DJ Plastician wrote: “Such a talented producer and a great human being to boot. He’s never left my crates. Never will.” Rapper Trillary Banks wrote: “Heaven gained not just an angel but a UK legend”, while another MC, Manga Saint Hilare, wrote: “What you’ve created & taught so many will live forever.”
