PM Dawn: The Pioneers of Hip-Hop Soul

PM Dawn was an American hip-hop and R&B duo from Jersey City, New Jersey, celebrated for their ethereal, sample-heavy sound that bridged rap with melodic pop. Their debut album, Of the Heart, of the Soul and of the Cross: The Utopian Experience, achieved platinum status and spawned the historic number-one single "Set Adrift on Memory Bliss."

Early career

The group was formed in 1988 by brothers Attrell "Prince Be" Cordes and Jarrett "DJ Minutemix" Cordes. Their early demos, characterized by a dreamlike fusion of hip-hop beats and lush soul samples, eventually caught the attention of Gee Street Records, a subsidiary of Island Records.

Breakthrough

PM Dawn's 1991 debut single, "Set Adrift on Memory Bliss," became a global phenomenon, sampling Spandau Ballet's "True." The song topped the Billboard Hot 100, making Prince Be the first rap artist to unseat a pop act (Michael Jackson's "Black or White") from the number-one spot. The accompanying album went platinum, cementing their breakthrough.

Key tracks

Set Adrift on Memory Bliss — This chart-topping single defined their signature sound and made chart history in 1991.

I'd Die Without You — A standout ballad from the Boomerang soundtrack that reached number three on the Hot 100.

Paper Doll — The lead single from their second album, The Bliss Album…?, which achieved gold certification.

Looking Through Patient Eyes — Another successful single that sampled George Michael's "Father Figure" and showcased their melodic rap style.

Following their initial success, the duo released The Bliss Album…? in 1993, which went gold and featured the hit "I'd Die Without You." Their later work, including 1995's Jesus Wept and 1998's Dearest Christian, I'm So Very Sorry for Bringing You Here. Love, Dad, explored deeper spiritual themes while maintaining their unique aesthetic, though with less commercial impact.

The group's journey was marked by both innovation and adversity, including a notable on-stage incident with the group Kris Kross. The tragic passing of Prince Be in 2016 marked the end of an era for this influential act in the hip-hop soul genre.

Fans of PM Dawn's introspective and melodic approach to hip-hop often appreciate the work of The Roots for their live instrumentation and thoughtful lyrics. The smooth, sample-based style also connects to De La Soul and their playful, positive rap. Listeners might also explore Arrested Development for their conscious, soul-infused alternative hip-hop from the same era.

PM Dawn's music remains a staple on classic hip-hop and R&B radio stations, as well as on online radio streams dedicated to 90s nostalgia and alternative soul. Their dreamy soundscapes provide a perfect mix for stations focusing on mellow vibes and genre-blending playlists.

You can hear the pioneering hip-hop soul of PM Dawn on radio stations featured across our network. Explore and listen to their timeless tracks through the variety of radio stations available on onairium.com.