London's underground scene during the early 1990s saw a barrage of figures emerge from its competitive depths. Still, few would stand the test of time as both talented and revolutionary. One such luminary emerged whose lyrical finesse and soulful resonance would define an entire genre, raising the craft of MC above mere narration.
MC Conrad, born Conrad Edmund Thompson, whose lyrical dexterity and soulful resonance elevated the drum and bass experience to ethereal heights, has left an unforgettable imprint on the genre he, for all intent purposes, helped co-create. With deep sadness, the global electronic music community now mourns the loss of this titan at age 52.
MC Conrad's ascent into the drum and bass stratosphere was a unique fusion of his Black Caribbean heritage and the emerging hip-hop and electro influences of the UK club circuit. His upbringing in Northampton, shaped by his father's diverse record collection, laid the foundations for his sound and career. In 1991, this journey would essentially kick-off as he took the mix with Jumpin' Jack Frost at London's Telepathy, marking the beginning of a musical revolution.
1991 also saw his initial forays with LTJ Bukem through their Good Looking Records imprint. The label, with its heavy sci-fi aesthetics and spacy synths, would be integral in forming the “intelligant” drum & bass subgenre. Some of the artists who appeared on Good Looking (and sister label, Looking Good) were Blame, Photek, and Peshay. The label was also home to ten Progression Sessions.
It was at London's legendary Mars Bar where Conrad's ascent to prominence truly began in 1995. His Speed residency alongside LTJ Bukem and Fabio was a crucible for his lyrical finesse. Through an ability to seamlessly blend social commentary with poetic imagery, he would become a seminal voice in the genre and one of the UK's most prominent MCs. He would also solidify a decades-long musical bond with LTJ Bukem that would musically and culturally redefine the entire drum and bass landscape.
MC Conrad and LTJ Bukem crafted a sound that defied convention, blending the former's evocative lyricism with the latter's jazz-infused, bass-driven soundscapes into a viscous concoction of rhythm and feeling. Their seminal album, Progression Sessions 1, released in 1998, offers glimpses into a world where music speaks directly to the soul, transcending the confines of the dancefloor and offering moments of almost cosmic introspection. The album was preceded by a 1995 entry into the BBC Essential Mix series. It is widely considered one of the long-standing programmes best.
As their fame grew, Conrad and Bukem became ambassadors for drum and bass, captivating audiences on a global scale. From the storied halls of London's Ministry of Sound and Fabric to the sun-drenched beaches of Ibiza to the desert sands of Coachella, they united fans from all walks of life. In 2011, this energy was even felt here in Bucharest, as the duo provided an unforgettable September night at Atelierul de Producție, a booking by Black Rhino crew.
MC Conrad's impact extended far beyond the stage. He was not only a master of the mic but also a pioneer of digital distribution. Through his label Resonance (est. 2020), he championed innovation within the drum and bass community, shaping the genre's future for generations. Some of those who have featured on Resonance include Outlier, Cyclic, and his own Con*Natural alias. MC Conrad has also lent his vocals to a who’s who of drum & bass icons like Adam F, Zero T, Total Science, Makoto, Urban Dawn and more.
As news of Conrad's passing reverberates through the drum and bass community, tributes are pouring in from peers and admirers alike. DJ Zinc took to Instagram, describing him as a "legendary voice. And a nice bloke". 2 Bad Mice highlighted the Conrad/Bukem performance at legendary 1998 rave, Dreamscape 4, calling it "one of the best intros and samples of all time." Loxy said "this guy personified artistry and lyrical prowess." Fellow MC pioneer, GQ says, "another legend in this game which has contributed so much has passed away."
In the wake of his earthly transition, let's celebrate MC Conrad's artistic vision and the universal resonance of his voice. His spirit lives on in every echoing bassline, every whispered lyric, and every beat that reverberates through the heart of drum and bass.
