Less an MC in the standard sense and more a poet, a sound explorer, Stephen Samuel Gordon aka The Spaceape has been a continual presence in the evolution of Hyperdub.
Frequently collaborating with Kode9 – indeed, The Spaceape voiced 'Sine Of The Dub', the label's first ever release – the London based artist built up a formidable voice.
Appearing on both Kode9 albums, the MC also released solo EP 'Xorcism'. The material on the EP, though, drew both on Haitian culture and Gordon's battle with Neurolymphamatosis, a rare form of cancer.
Last night (October 2nd) Hyperdub broke the news that The Spaceape had passed away following a lengthy struggle with illness.
The statement in full:
We are devastated to announce that on Thursday 2nd October, Stephen Samuel Gordon aka The Spaceape, vocalist, poet and live performer, passed away peacefully after a 5 year struggle with a rare form of cancer.
He leaves behind his wife Luciana and 6 year old daughter, Cleo. His first release was the 1st release on Hyperdub, 'Sine of the Dub' in 2004 with Kode9, with whom he also released 2 albums, Memories of the Future (2006) and Black Sun (2011).
In 2012 he also self-released the Xorcism EP, appeared on the track 'Spaceape' on Burial's debut album in 2006, and also collaborated with The Bug, Martyn, Jerry Dammers, Redshape, Dub Gabriel, the Echologist and more. Last Monday he released his new EP with Kode9, 'Killing Season' including the video 'Devil is a Liar' which was filmed in July 2014.
Our sincere condolences go out to his family and friends, and all who have been touched by his writings and performances. His Hyperdub family will always miss him.
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