MC Conrad, the celebrated drum ‘n’ bass artist, has died at the age of 52. His agency Clinic Talent confirmed the news, paying tribute to “one of the most recognisable and best-loved voices in D&B”. Conrad, who was born Conrad Thompson, began his career as a hip-hop MC, but gained significant recognition for his role in widening and deepening the scope for jungle and drum’n’bass sounds in the 1990s. He also received acclaim for his skill both as a rapper and singer, as well as his taste for the jazzier end of the genre.
Conrad worked extensively with the producer LTJ Bukem, who was known for fusing jazz with bass music. Conrad became a particularly prominent presence at Bukem’s label Good Looking Records, and at their club residency Speed at London’s Mars Bar. The duo collaborated on the album Progression Sessions 1 in 1998, gaining recognition as one of British dance music’s quintessential DJ-MC partnerships.
Following international touring and production work under the name Con+Natural, Conrad founded the label Resonance. He was an early advocate of digital distribution and of DJ podcasting, and in later years made hits in the drum’n’bass scene with producers including Makoto and Total Science.
The drum’n’bass community has mourned Conrad’s death. Record label Hospital Records said: “We are devastated to hear of the passing of MC Conrad. A truly iconic and unique artist, he helped define and build the world of jungle & drum and bass music. All our love and thoughts are with his family and friends”. Promoters Drum&BassArena added: “He set the blueprint for generations of MCs with his signature style and brought so much soul to this music”
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