Stereo MC's

Stereo MCs are a British hip hop group. Although many United States hip hop music stars mask poverty with ostentatious status symbols, Stereo MCs are a model of level-headed frugality. Vocalist Rob Birch and DJ/producer Nick Hallam founded

Stereo MCs are a British hip hop group. Although many United States hip hop music stars mask poverty with ostentatious status symbols, Stereo MCs are a model of level-headed frugality. Vocalist Rob Birch and DJ/producer Nick Hallam founded their Gee Street studio and label with money they were given to leave their London flat and, instead of using a backing band, travelled to early gigs on buses with bags of tapes.

When Gee Street caught the eye of 4th And Broadway, they recorded the debut Stereo MCs album 33-45-78 (1989) on a shoestring budget with DJ Cesare, drummer Owen If and backing singer Cath Coffey. In 1990, "Elevate My Mind" by the Stereos was the first British hip hop single to reach the US R&B chart. At home, the emergent indie dance scene (they supported Happy Mondays in the USA) and a hook-up with the Jungle Brothers ensured ultimate hipness for Supernatural (1990) and remixes for the likes of U2, PM Dawn, Queen Latifah, Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, Monie Love and Electronic. They are still highly sought after producers, with most of their remixes being done under the name Ultimatum.