British rapper, producer, and grime pioneer
Remembering those we recently lost
Plant the first tree in their honor
Key moments and achievements from Joseph Ellis-Stevenson's life.
Joseph was born
· Gambia
Recording Milestone
Performing under the name Young Dot, Joseph Ellis-Stevenson released his first self-produced mixtape 'This Is the Beginning' in 2007. The release announced the arrival of a prodigious young talent in the British grime scene who had reportedly been rapping since the age of seven and was already producing his own beats.
Recording Milestone
Performing under the name Young Dot, Joseph Ellis-Stevenson released his first self-produced mixtape 'This Is the Beginning' in 2007. The release announced the arrival of a prodigious young talent in the British grime scene who had reportedly been rapping since the age of seven and was already producing his own beats.
Career Milestone
In 2008, Ellis-Stevenson changed his stage name to Dot Rotten — an acronym for 'Dirty On Tracks, Righteous Opinions Told To Educate Nubians' and a nod to EastEnders character Dot Cotton. He released the Rotten Riddims instrumental series spanning six volumes, establishing himself as both an MC and a formidable producer.
Career Milestone
In 2008, Ellis-Stevenson changed his stage name to Dot Rotten — an acronym for 'Dirty On Tracks, Righteous Opinions Told To Educate Nubians' and a nod to EastEnders character Dot Cotton. He released the Rotten Riddims instrumental series spanning six volumes, establishing himself as both an MC and a formidable producer.
Recording Deal
In 2011, Dot Rotten signed his first major label deal with Mercury Records, marking a significant step from the underground grime scene into the mainstream music industry. The deal recognized his growing influence as both a performer and producer in British urban music.
Recording Deal
In 2011, Dot Rotten signed his first major label deal with Mercury Records, marking a significant step from the underground grime scene into the mainstream music industry. The deal recognized his growing influence as both a performer and producer in British urban music.
Chart Success
In 2012, Dot Rotten's single 'Overload,' a collaboration with production team TMS that sampled Robert Miles' iconic 1996 dance classic 'Children,' reached number 15 on the UK Singles Chart and number 3 on the R&B chart. The track represented his mainstream breakthrough and demonstrated his ability to bridge grime and pop audiences.
Chart Success
In 2012, Dot Rotten's single 'Overload,' a collaboration with production team TMS that sampled Robert Miles' iconic 1996 dance classic 'Children,' reached number 15 on the UK Singles Chart and number 3 on the R&B chart. The track represented his mainstream breakthrough and demonstrated his ability to bridge grime and pop audiences.
Album Release
Dot Rotten's debut studio album 'Voices in My Head' was released on May 6, 2013, through Mercury Records in the United Kingdom. The album showcased his versatility as both an MC and singer while addressing mental health themes that resonated with a generation of British listeners.
Album Release
Dot Rotten's debut studio album 'Voices in My Head' was released on May 6, 2013, through Mercury Records in the United Kingdom. The album showcased his versatility as both an MC and singer while addressing mental health themes that resonated with a generation of British listeners.
Career Evolution
Taking a break from rapping, Ellis-Stevenson reinvented himself under the name Zeph Ellis, focusing on production and releasing instrumental projects including the 'This Side of Grime' series. He became a sought-after producer, crafting beats for major artists including Headie One, D-Block Europe, and Nines, and his instrumental 'XCXD BXMB' was sampled by Kano and AJ Tracey.
Career Evolution
Taking a break from rapping, Ellis-Stevenson reinvented himself under the name Zeph Ellis, focusing on production and releasing instrumental projects including the 'This Side of Grime' series. He became a sought-after producer, crafting beats for major artists including Headie One, D-Block Europe, and Nines, and his instrumental 'XCXD BXMB' was sampled by Kano and AJ Tracey.
Joseph Ellis-Stevenson passed away
