Us3: The Jazz Rap Innovators

Us3 is a British jazz rap project masterminded by producer and founder Geoff Wilkinson. The group achieved global fame in the early 1990s with their landmark album "Hand on the Torch," which became the first release on the legendary Blue Note Records label to earn a platinum certification.

Early career

Us3 was formed in London in 1991 by Geoff Wilkinson, who began his career as a DJ and producer. The project's early sound was built on Wilkinson's innovative technique of sampling classic jazz records, a style he first showcased on the 1991 independent 12-inch single "Where Will We Be in the 21st Century?" for Ninja Tune.

Breakthrough

The major breakthrough came in 1993 with the release of the debut album "Hand on the Torch" on Blue Note Records. The album's lead single, "Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia)," became a worldwide hit, propelling the album to platinum status in the United States and peaking at number 21 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Key tracks

Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia) — This global smash single brilliantly reworked Herbie Hancock's "Cantaloupe Island" and defined the jazz rap genre for a mainstream audience.

Tukka Yoot's Riddim — Another key track from "Hand on the Torch," it showcased the group's skillful blend of complex jazz samples with smooth, confident raps.

Eleven Long Years — Featured on the 1997 album "Broadway & 52nd," this track highlighted the project's evolution and continued commitment to a live, instrumental jazz-hip hop fusion.

Following their massive initial success, Us3 continued to release albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s, including "Broadway & 52nd" and "An Ordinary Day in an Unusual Place." The project has featured a rotating cast of vocalists and musicians, with Wilkinson remaining the constant creative force, consistently exploring the intersection of live jazz instrumentation and hip-hop beats.

For fans of the Us3 sound, exploring similar artists who blend jazz sophistication with hip-hop rhythms is essential. Check out The Roots for their legendary live band approach to hip-hop. Discover Guru and his iconic Jazzmatazz series, which pioneered the jazz rap collaboration concept. The innovative sampling of A Tribe Called Quest shares a similar musical philosophy. Also explore the British scene with The Herbaliser, known for their instrumental big beat and jazz-inflected productions.

The pioneering tracks from Us3 remain a staple on specialty radio formats, particularly on jazz fusion stations, classic hip-hop channels, and online radio streams dedicated to 90s alternative sounds. Their unique blend ensures airplay on stations celebrating the rich history where jazz samples meet rap vocals.

You can hear the innovative jazz rap of Us3 on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their classic hits and deeper cuts across a variety of stations dedicated to groundbreaking hip-hop and fusion music.