Stereo MCs | |
---|---|
Stereo MCs in concert, August 2006
|
|
Background information | |
Origin | London, United Kingdom |
Genres | Hip hop, electronica, alternative hip hop, house, alternative dance, hip house |
Years active | 1985–present |
Labels | 4th & Broadway, Gee Street Records, Island Records, Graffiti Recording, Rhino |
Website | Official website |
Members | The Head Rob B Owen If Cath Coffey Aina Roxx |
Stereo MCs are a British hip hop/electronic dance group which formed in Clapham, London, in 1985. They had a Top 20 with their single "Connected". After releasing eight albums for Island Records, K7, Graffiti Recordings, and Pias, they formed the label Connected with Terranova to release their own material and that of other artists within the house/techno/electronic medium.
Vocalist Rob Birch and disc jockey (DJ)/producer Nick Hallam founded their Gee Street recording studio and record label with money they were given to leave their London flat and, dispensing with using a backing band, travelled to early gigs on public transport.
When Gee Street attracted the attention of 4th & Broadway, they recorded the début Stereo MCs' album, 33-45-78 (1989), on a shoestring budget with DJ Cesare, drummer Owen If and backing vocalist Cath Coffey. In 1990, "Elevate My Mind" by the Stereos was the first British hip hop single to reach the United States R&B record chart. Having supported the Happy Mondays on a US tour, in the emerging UK alternative dance scene, it took an alliance with the Jungle Brothers to ensure chart success for Supernatural (1990).Remix work for U2, PM Dawn, Queen Latifah, The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, Monie Love and Electronic followed.