MC Fats, legendary jungle drum & bass vocalist, has died

MC Fats, the legendary jungle drum & bass vocalist, has died.

While no official statement has been made at the time of writing, tributes have been paid across social media from friends, fans and peers in the scene, honouring the pioneering MC, real name Wildale Spencer.

Ram Records, the drum & bass label set up by Andy C, tweeted: "We are heartbroken to hear about the passing of MC Fats. He was a legend of DNB and a dear member of our family from the very beginning." Jungle pioneer Doc Scott tweeted: "Rest easy MC Fats, thank you for all the laughs and good times along the way, it's a sad day for DNB, see you on the other side my friend."

Spencer had undergone a number of health issues in recent years. In 2013, the MC was admitted to hospital due to complications related to his diabetes. He subsequently went through a number of surgical procedures, including a partial leg amputation beneath his left knee. In 2014, with the help of his friend DJ A Sides, and in collaboration with a star-studded cast of producers including Break, SPY and Alix Perez, he released his debut album, 'We Gotcha', via his own U Understand Me Music under the MC Fats Collective name, as a way of raising funds after being left unable to perform.

In 2018, Spencer was admitted to hospital in Sardinia due to to breathing complications, and later underwent major heart surgery. 

A true pioneer in the jungle drum & bass scene, MC Fats appeared on iconic tracks including DJ Hype's 1996 anthem, ‘Peace Love & Unity’ on Playaz Recordings. Over the years, he lent his distinctive voice to tracks by the likes of Calibre, Dillinja, Pendulum and Chase & Status, as well as featuring regularly on labels including V Recordings, Metalheadz, Digital Soundboy, Shogun Audio and Ram Records. He continued releasing music up until November 2022, when he dropped 'Natural Way' with Break.

Read tributes to MC Fats below, and revisit his 2014 interview with DJ Mag here.