Stereo MC's, Curse Mackey [outside]

Rob Birch (vocalist/songwriter) and Nick Hallam (DJ/producer) first formed Stereo MC’s while co-founding pioneering London-based hip-hop label Gee Street Records, also home to Jungle Brothers, P.M. Dawn, and RZA/Gravediggaz material. But the label’s most notable release came from its creators in the form of 1992’s Brit Award-winning Connected album, a record (and incredible title single) nearly impossible to pin down with its trip-hop/ATL hip-hop/acid jazz trappings. After burnout from two years of touring, the duo would return in 2000 for a strong entry into the DJ-Kicks series. The group regained its footing with 2011’s booming, stadium rock-leaning Emperor’s Nightingale. – Kahron Spearman