Nakanishi, also known as Tycoon To$h, was involved in a number of influential outfits.

Japanese musician Toshio Nakanishi, known for his work with Plastics, Major Force and Skylab, has died aged 61.

Nakanishi passed away earlier today after a months long battle with oesophageal cancer, a statement on his official Facebook page confirmed.

Nakanishi first appeared on the scene as the frontman of new wave group Plastics in the late 70s. The band were a major influence on Japanese pop and won the admiration of Devo, Talking Heads and The B-52s.

After Plastics disbanded in the 80s, Nakanishi formed Japan’s first-ever dance music-only imprint Major Force and experimented with hip-hop as Tycoon To$h during a stint in London in the 90s.

Nakanishi went on to release two records as part of collective Skylab including 1999’s Large As Life And Twice As Natural, which FACT rated as one of the greatest trip-hop albums of all time.

An event for fans to pay tribute to the late musician is currently being organised, more details to follow.

Read next: The 50 best trip-hop albums of all time

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