Tributes have been paid to British rapper Black The Ripper, who has reportedly died at the age of 32.

Music channel Link Up TV said someone close to the rapper, whose real name is Dean West, had confirmed the news. No cause of death was given.

As well as his music career, West was a prominent advocate for the legalisation of cannabis in the UK.

Tributes were paid on social media by stars who had worked with West.

Rapper Chip shared a picture of the pair together and said: "RIP my brother."