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MC Conrad has died aged 52 – News

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MC Conrad has died aged 52 - News

Drum ‘n’ bass pioneer MC Conrad has reportedly died aged 52.

Household and buddies of the MC Conrad, actual identify Conrad Thompson, confirmed the information in a sequence of tributes on social media as we speak (April 30). No reason for dying has been confirmed but.

Extensively often called a driving power behind drum ‘n’ bass, and one of many style’s most influential vocalists, MC Conrad first turned entrenched throughout the rave scene within the early ’90s — taking him from his native Northampton to London.

Impressed by his father’s report assortment of ska, rocksteady, bluebeat and reggae; MC Conrad would meld collectively the music of his Black Caribbean heritage with the hip hop and electro sounds trickling by the UK membership circuit.

In 1994 Thompson started his Pace residency at London’s Mars Bar, the place he would supply vocals over units by LTJ Bukem and Fabio. The residency helped bolster the recognition of the venue, drum ‘n’ bass and positioned MC Conrad as a seminal voice within the style and one of many UK’s most well-known MCs.

Alongside Bukem, he appeared on the likes of London’s Ministry of Sound, California’s Coachella, Ibiza’s Area and extra; sharing the stage with Carl Cox, Snoop Dogg, Grandmaster Flash and Jeff Mills.

Conrad labored to raise the drum ‘n’ bass style as a label head. First with Bukem on Good Wanting Information; established in 1991, the imprint helped popularise the clever drum ‘n’ bass sound — internet hosting releases from Photek, Supply Direct, Seba and extra.

In 2020 he established the primary digital-first drum ‘n’ bass label Resonance, beneath the mission assertion of platforming forward-thinking drum ‘n’ bass music. Up to now the label has seen 13 releases, together with productions from Conrad himself, beneath his manufacturing alias Con*Pure.

On Instagram DJ Zinc wrote: “Relaxation simple Conrad. Heartbreaking to suppose one other huge a part of the dnb scene is gone – the bukem and conrad combo was pretty much as good because it will get. he was at all times joking, at all times enjoyable to hang around with. Golden Woman might be on repeat as we speak – one among my all time favourites as i do know it’s for thus many others – cannot discover it on right here however Soul Patrol is one other nice Conrad monitor.”

Hospital Information paid tribute on Twitter, writing: “We’re devastated to listen to of the passing of MC Conrad. A really iconic and distinctive artist, he helped outline and construct the world of jungle & drum and bass music. All our love and ideas are together with his household and buddies.”

Dependancy Information head Ros wrote: “I’m shocked… Relaxation in Peace brother”.

Drum ‘n’ bass label Approach Recordings paid tribute to MC Conrad, writing: “RIP MC Conrad. One of many originators and a level-setting grasp of the craft of lyrical D&B emceeing.”

Learn some extra tributes beneath.

Megan Townsend is Mixmag’s Deputy Editor, observe her on Twitter

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