A WELL-known rapper from Huddersfield has died after losing a battle against a brain tumour.

Daniel Cox, 22, was known to thousands of young people in the town and often spoke out against negative messages sometimes in rap music.

He had been diagnosed with the condition shortly before Christmas and began radiotherapy in January.

But after just five weeks it was clear it had failed to halt the disease’s progression.

It had begun with a twitch under Daniel’s left eye and when he was diagnosed, doctors discovered it was on his brain stem and so was inoperable.

Daniel, who was also well known as MC WiZe, was a major inspiration to both family and friends before the disease hit and throughout his battle he continued to remain philosophical despite losing use of his limbs as well as his speech.

His sister, Denise, 38, said: “Daniel never complained once despite everything he went through. He was a one and only. I was 17 when he was born and he arrived as a pleasant surprise as the baby of the family which makes his loss even harder to bear.

“Daniel was very philosophical and wise – hence his MC name – and his message to young people was about understanding your purpose in life and doing it.

“He was very much against the negative images portrayed by some rap such as drugs, guns and violence. He always said the only weapon is your mind which you use to elevate yourself in terms of personal development.”

Daniel of Mountfield Avenue, Waterloo, attended Almondbury High School and then completed the BTEC National Diploma in Music Technology at Manchester College of Arts and Technology.

Two years ago he started a BSC Honours degree in Music Technology at Leeds Metropolitan University.

To pay for his studies he worked as a telesales adviser for a Leeds based call centre.

Daniel's plan this year was to go on student exchange to Ramopo University, New Jersey, to learn more about the music industry in the US.

He was director of voluntary organisation Rhyme and Rhythm Productions in Huddersfield, which taught creative writing, hip hop and rap to young people aged five to 16.

He also supported various schools with their personal, social, citizenship and health education programmes including Newsome High, Holmfirth High and Northorpe Hall.

He worked with the New Testament Church of God in Huddersfield, forming a childrens' rap group called Lil Mysteries.

Daniel travelled to Poland and Switzerland with a group of rappers and the Kirklees Mayor over the last two years.

Daniel supported the work of Kirklees Youth Offending team as a volunteer and did creative writing with some youngsters who had been referred to the team.

He had the opportunity to sign with a record label in Manchester and was recognised by Channel 4’s Talent Awards 2007 for his commitment to providing a positive social conscience by speaking out against the negative messages heard in some hip hop and rap.

He was one of just 20 people honoured by the TV channel out of 700 nominations.

Denise added: “Daniel was well-known for the significant contribution he made to the Kirklees community. His family is now committed to continuing the work he started. His production company will continue as well as the production of his music.”

He leaves his parents, Adrian and Veronica, and another sister, Emma, 42.

Daniel’s family was anxious to pay tribute to staff on Ward One at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary who cared for Daniel.

His funeral will be held at 10.30am at the New Testament Church of God, Great Northern Street, Huddersfield on Friday August 8 followed by burial at Almondbury Cemetery.