MC Duke (later just Duke) was a British rapper from the East End of London, who recorded with DJ Leader 1. He was one of the pioneers of the early British hardcore sound and later went on to record as IC3.
Duke began his career at a DMC World Championships after show party, where the winner of the MC battle competition got on stage and boasted that he would beat any rapper who challenged him. Duke climbed on stage to take the challenge, and emerged victorious. The battle was witnessed by Derek Bowland, who was acting as an A&R man for Music of Life records. He quickly arranged a meeting between Duke and Simon Harris, the head of the record label, where instead of bringing a demo tape, Duke rapped live in Harris' office. Harris agreed to sign him.
He debuted with the track "Jus-Dis" on the compilation album Hard as Hell (Music of Life, 1987) - an album which also included Overlord X's first track before he was later signed by Mango Records: in later years, Duke and X would develop a grudge that led to both recording records to belittle the other. In 1988 Duke was support to Salt-N-Pepa on their UK tour.
A series of singles followed, with Duke finally pairing with long time partner DJ Leader 1 (sometimes DJ Leader One) on the single "Throw Your Hands in The Air" (Music of Life, 1989) and adding his name to the sleeve. Leader 1 had previously released the single "Silver Suckers" (Beast Records, 1987) with MC Clay Luv in the U.S. but stayed with Duke right up to their reincarnation as IC3 for the EPs Excalibur (Shut Up and Dance, 1992) and Untitled (Shut Up and Dance, 1992).
1989 saw Duke and Leader 1's first album - Organised Rhyme (Music of Life, 1989), and it was heavily featured on Music of Life's 1989 Hustlers Covention album. Later lampooned by Overlord X for having Duke on the cover "looking like a farmer" - and their most famous single, "I'm Riffin' (English Rasta)" (Music of Life, 1989). The single was popular amongst hip hop fans, and received radio airplay and often crops up on compilation albums.
More singles followed, as well as the follow-up album Return of the Dread-I (Music of Life, 1991), but Duke parted company with Music of Life. Following this, he guested on other artist's tracks - such as Phat Skillz' "Dress Like Your Enemy"/"Phat Skillz" (Effect, 1992) before moving to the Shut Up and Dance record label for the IC3 project.
An album for Shut Up and Dance never materialised, but Duke continued to guest on other artist's tunes, such as Lisa Pin-Up, DJ Elvira & DJ Modelle's "Another Jam" (Rock Hard Recordings, 2000). Following this, Duke disappeared from the limelight, although his track "I'm Riffin' (English Rasta)" was sampled for C90's dance hit "Miracle Maker (I'm Riffin)" (Twenty-Three Seven Recordings, 2001).
In 2007 he also appeared in UK hip hop artist Charlie Sloth's song "Can't Forget About UK". The song was a tribute to pioneering rappers from the UK.
12” Single
Tracks: Featuring:
I'm Riffin' (English Rasta)
- Instrumental
- Smokin' Beats
- Smokin' Loop
- Accapella
Condition: Near Mint
Sleeve, Very Good some damage to top front end
Released on the Music Of Life Label
Date: 1989
Number: NOTE 25
All vinyl is played prior to dispatch to ensure good playback.
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Record Grading
The grading system I use when determining the condition of the vinyl is The 'Record Collectors' Grading System, taken from the Rare Record Price Guide book.
Mint (M) The record itself is in brand new condition with no surface marks or deterioration in sound quality. The cover and any extra items such as the lyric sheet, booklet or poster are in perfect condition. Records advertised as Sealed or Unplayed should be Mint.
Near Mint (NM) The record looks brand new with no scuffing or any deterioration in sound quality and only the smallest hint that its ever been played. The cover and any additional extras are clean, crisp and with no wear whatsoever.
Excellent (EX) The record shows some signs of having been played, but there is very little lessening in sound quality. The cover and packaging might have slight wear and/or creasing.
Very Good (VG) The record has obviously been played many times, but displays no major deterioration in sound quality, despite noticeable surface marks and the occasional light scratch. Normal wear and tear on the cover or extra items, without any major defects, is acceptable.
Good (G) The record has been played so much that the sound quality has noticeably deteriorated, perhaps with some distortion and mild scratches. The cover and contents suffer from folding, scuffing of edges, spine splits, discolouration, etc.
Fair (F) The record is still just about playable but has not been cared for properly and displays considerable surface noise; it may even jump. The cover and contents will be torn, stained and/or defaced.
Poor (P) The record will not play properly due to scratches, bad surface noise, etc. The cover and contents will be badly damaged or partly missing.
I will not refund you if have not read and understood the grading system I use.
