Frank Carter III, the Virginia-born, New York-based vocalist who lent his voice to a string of releases by electronic group Ivy Lab, has died. No cause of death was disclosed.
His first collaboration with Ivy Lab members Sabre, Stray and Halogenix came on the 2012 track Oblique, released on Critical Music. He went on to feature on Afterthought and Soul Sista, and also worked with artists including Pola & Bryson, Enei and Adred across drum and bass and house music.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Ivy Lab said they were “deeply saddened to learn of Frank’s passing”, describing him as “a unique, iconic voice that brought tenderness and depth to our world”. The group added: “Frank, I hope you knew just how vital you were. A humble outsider who tiptoed his way into the hearts of the D&B community.”
Metalheadz, the seminal British label that released the 2014 Ivy Lab and Hydro track Make It Clear featuring Carter III, paid tribute: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Frank Carter III. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest in peace.” Metalheadz founder Goldie had previously described Oblique as touching “the very nerve of the craft of this music drum and bass; many years from now when we look back this tune will be a ‘waypoint’ of the times.”
Drum and bass label V Recordings also shared a tribute: “Rest in peace Frank H Carter III, a truly talented vocalist who we were blessed to work with on some special projects on V. Go run his tracks up today.”
