Simon Harris obit

Obituary: Simon Harris, Pioneer of UK Hip Hop and Founder of Music of Life

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Simon Harris, the visionary producer, DJ, and founder of the influential label Music of Life, has passed away, leaving behind a legacy that helped shape the foundations of British Hip Hop. He was a trailblazer long before the genre found mainstream acceptance in the UK, and his work continues to echo through the culture he helped build.

Born with an instinctive ear for rhythm and an obsession with the possibilities of sampling, Harris emerged in the 1980s as one of the earliest champions of hip hop on British soil. At a time when the genre was still treated as an American curiosity, he recognised its potential and worked tirelessly to give UK artists a platform of their own.

In 1986, he founded Music of Life, a label that would become a cornerstone of early UK rap. Under his guidance, it became a home for ground-breaking acts such as Derek B, Hijack, MC Duke, Demon Boyz, and many others who would go on to influence generations. Harris wasn't just a label boss - he was a mentor, a collaborator, and a believer in the raw talent emerging from Britain's streets and clubs.

As a producer, he was best known internationally for his hit "Bass (How Low Can You Go?)", a track that showcased his mastery of sampling and his ability to fuse Hip Hop with the UK's growing appetite for electronic dance music. His production work, remixing, and DJ sets helped bridge scenes and audiences, making him a rare figure who moved effortlessly between genres.

Beyond the charts and the clubs, Harris was a historian and educator of the culture he loved. His compilations, sample libraries, and writings helped demystify Hip Hop production for countless aspiring artists. Many producers who came of age in the 1990s and 2000s credit his work as their first introduction to the craft.

Simon Harris will be remembered not only for his achievements, but for his unwavering belief that UK Hip Hop deserved its own voice. He championed artists who might otherwise have been overlooked, and in doing so, helped lay the groundwork for the thriving British rap scene that exists today.

He is survived by a global community of musicians, DJs, producers, and fans who continue to feel the impact of his vision. His influence lives on in every beat, every sample, and every artist who found their path because he opened a door.

A true pioneer, a generous mentor, and a legend of the culture - Simon Harris's contribution to music will endure.

Born: September 10, 1962, London, England

Died: February 13, 2026 (aged 63), London, England