M.C. Duke

M.C. Duke was one of the premier MCs of the early UK Hip Hop scene. Together with DJ Leader One, he racked up a substantial number of hits such as “I’m Riffin’ (English Rasta)”, “Miracles” and “The Final Conflict” which are now considered classics of the genre. Raised in east London, Duke made his recorded debut on Music of Life’s 1987 compilation ‘Hard As Hell – Rap’s Next generation’. Later he would make his home at the label, releasing two successful solo albums – 1989’s ‘Organized Rhyme’ and 1991’s ‘Return Of The Dread-I’. In 1990, Duke picked up Hip Hop Connection magazine’s award for “Best British Recording Artist” and the magazine’s readers later voted him “Best British performing artist of the Decade”. Around this time, Duke also toured the world with the likes of Public Enemy, LL Cool J, Eric B & Rakim, Einstein, KRS One, Salt & Pepper and Sinead O’Connor - who later name-checked the rapper on her hugely successful 1990 album ‘I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got’. That same year, Duke produced the critically acclaimed compilation – ‘Straight from the Underground’ under the collective pseudonym The Royal Family. The album featured tracks by the likes of Daddy Freddy, Thrashpack and Lady Tame, alongside a new Duke original – “Night Train”.

M.C Duke’s tracks have been sampled by the likes of The Prodigy, Burial and The Chemical Brothers and are still in high demand from DJs, producers and labels across the globe.