An inquest jury has ruled that Smiley Culture stabbed himself to death during a search by Metropolitan Police officers.
Real name David Emmanuel, Smiley Culture came of age in an era of unprecedented social upheaval. Nationwide riots called into question the relationship between police forces and minority communities, while the musical climate seemed sharply divided.
Fusing hip hop with reggae, Jamaican patois with cockney slang, Smiley Culture unwittingly became a mirror of, and potential solution to, those troubles.
Tragically, though, the rapper passed away following a search by Metropolitan Police officers on his home in March 2011. An inquest jury was formed to look into the death, with police officers arguing that Smiley Culture killed himself during the search.
Returning its verdict, the jury has supported these claims with the foreman stating: "David Victor Emmanuel took his own life."
"Although the tragic events… were unforeseeable, giving one officer the responsibility of supervising Mr Emmanuel and at the same time the premises search book was a contributory factor in his death."
Coroner Richard Travers commented that he would prepare a report to the Metropolitan Police on improvements changes or improvements to the supervision of a prisoner at their home during a search. (via BBC)
A true pioneer, Clash still mourn his loss.
Here's 'Cockney Translation'.
