Tributes have been paid to British rapper Black The Ripper, who has reportedly died at the age of 32.

Music channel Link Up TV said someone close to the rapper, whose real name is Dean West, had confirmed the news. No cause of death was given.

As well as his music career, West was a prominent advocate for the legalisation of cannabis in the UK.

Tributes were paid on social media by stars who had worked with West.

Rapper Chip shared a picture of the pair together and said: โ€œRIP my brother.โ€

In a separate tweet, Chip bemoaned that mourners would not be able to attend the funeral of the London-born rapper due to the coronavirus pandemic, adding: โ€œI know the people would wanna come out for him. RIP Black The Ripper.โ€

Mercury Prize winner Skepta shared a picture of him and West together and captioned it: โ€œGod bless your soul.โ€

Krept, from rap duo Krept & Konan, tweeted: โ€œNo way black the ripper. R.I.P man f***ing hell what a horrible year.โ€

Actor Michael Dapaah, best known for his Big Shaq alter ego, said: โ€œReal sad news RIP Black The Ripper, my condolences to his family & loved ones.โ€

Grime star Ghetts wrote: โ€œLight one up for Black the ripper. Very sad news man.โ€

YouTuber Craig Mitch said: โ€œIโ€™m hurt. Honestly. This man was a free thinker. A leader not a follower. RIP brother. I will hold our convoโ€™s close to me forever g. RIP Black The Ripper.โ€

West is best known for his 2018 album Money Grows On Trees as well as the mixtape Holla Black.