MC Conrad: The Pioneering Voice of Drum & Bass

MC Conrad is a legendary British vocalist and lyricist whose improvised, soulful performances became a defining element of the atmospheric drum & bass movement. Hailing from London, his groundbreaking partnership with producer LTJ Bukem and his work with the Good Looking Records collective cemented his status as a foundational figure in the genre's history.

Early career

Conrad Thompson, born in 1972, began his journey in the late 1980s within London's burgeoning acid house and rare groove scenes. His initial forays into MCing came on pirate radio stations, where he developed a fluid, melodic style distinct from the aggressive rapping common in other UK dance genres at the time.

Breakthrough

MC Conrad's career-defining breakthrough came in the mid-1990s through his alliance with LTJ Bukem and the Good Looking Records label. His spontaneous, philosophical vocals on Bukem's seminal "Logical Progression" compilation series and during their legendary live sets at clubs like Speed and Metalheadz rewrote the rulebook for MCs in electronic music.

Key tracks

Horizons — This iconic LTJ Bukem track, featuring Conrad's immortal spoken-word intro, became the anthem for the atmospheric drum & bass sound.

Jazzin' — A key cut from the "Progression Sessions" era, it showcases Conrad's effortless ability to ride complex rhythms with jazzy, improvised lyrics.

Deserted Vaults — Featured on the "Earth" compilation, this track highlights his deeper, more introspective vocal style over Bukem's ethereal production.

So Long — A later collaboration with producer Blame, demonstrating the enduring appeal and adaptability of Conrad's vocal approach within the genre.

Throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, Conrad became a global ambassador for the sound, touring extensively with Bukem and appearing on countless recordings for the Good Looking and sister label Looking Good catalog. His voice is intrinsically linked to the label's platinum-selling "Logical Progression" and "Progression Sessions" series, which achieved significant commercial success and critical acclaim worldwide.

Artists with a similar focus on lyrical depth and atmospheric soundscapes within drum & bass include Dillinja, who crafted deep, bass-heavy foundations for MCs. Goldie shares the visionary approach to building expansive musical worlds within the genre. The jazzy, intricate productions of PFM provided a perfect complement to the style of vocalism Conrad pioneered. Furthermore, London Elektricity continues the tradition of live, soul-infused drum & bass performance.

MC Conrad's influential catalog remains in heavy rotation on dedicated drum & bass and jungle radio stations, as well as on electronic music streams focused on the genre's rich history. His tracks are staples on shows celebrating the golden era of atmospheric intelligent drum & bass.

The music of MC Conrad, a pivotal voice in UK drum & bass, can be heard on specialist radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can explore his iconic collaborations and live sets through the curated drum & bass and electronic music stations available on onairium.com.