Drum ‘n’ Bass Icon MC Conrad Passes Away at 52

Legendary drum ‘n’ bass pillar MC Conrad, born Conrad Thompson, has tragically passed away at the age of 52. The news was confirmed by his agency today, sparking an outpouring of tributes from friends and fans alike.

Hailing from Northampton, MC Conrad’s music journey began in the early ’90s, immersing himself in the vibrant rave scene of London. Infusing elements of reggae and hip hop, Thompson carved his unique vocal style that would become synonymous with the drum ‘n’ bass genre.

In 1994, Conrad established the iconic Speed residency at London’s Mars Bar, where his mesmerizing vocals elevated sets by LTJ Bukem and Fabio. This residency solidified his status as one of the UK’s most eminent MCs and a vital voice in the burgeoning drum ‘n’ bass community.

Collaborating with LTJ Bukem, Conrad ventured into label management, co-founding Good Looking Records in 1991. The label served as a platform for pioneering drum ‘n’ bass acts like Photek, Source Direct, and Seba, shaping the intelligent drum ‘n’ bass sound of the era.

In a bid to champion forward-thinking drum ‘n’ bass, Conrad launched Resonance in 2020, a cutting-edge label that has already released a myriad of groundbreaking tracks, including Conrad’s own productions under the alias Con*Natural.

The passing of MC Conrad has sent shockwaves throughout the music industry, with DJ Zinc expressing his devastation, and Hospital Records paying tribute to the iconic artist who helped shape the landscape of jungle and drum ‘n’ bass music.

Our thoughts are with MC Conrad’s family and friends during this difficult time as the music community mourns the loss of a true luminary.