MC Conrad, the influential vocalist renowned for expanding the horizons of jungle and drum’n’bass throughout the 1990s and beyond, has passed away at the age of 52.
His agency Clinic Talent confirmed the news, honoring him as:
“One of the most recognizable and cherished voices in D&B, he leaves behind an unparalleled legacy.”
No specific cause of death has been disclosed for the artist, born Conrad Thompson.
He was celebrated for his remarkable skill on the microphone, his melodic singing prowess, and his inclination towards the jazzier side of the genre.
Conrad’s collaborations with producers like LTJ Bukem and PFM exemplified his deep connection with this aspect of the music.
Thompson’s journey began in hip-hop as an MC, but it was the embrace of the burgeoning rave scene that truly propelled him forward.
Transitioning into the realm of rave culture, he seamlessly integrated singing with high-tempo rapping, finding his niche as a versatile performer.
His synergy with British producer LTJ Bukem was particularly notable, as they explored the fusion of jazz with bass music, shaping a unique sound.
As a key figure for Bukem’s label Good Looking Records, Thompson’s presence elevated the scene, especially at the iconic Speed residency at London’s Mars Bar, where he shared the stage with luminaries like Fabio.
Their collaboration extended beyond the stage, as evidenced by their entry in the BBC’s Essential Mix series and the groundbreaking album “Progression Sessions 1″ in 1998.
This release solidified their status as one of the definitive DJ-MC duos in British dance music history.
Thompson’s influence extended globally as he embarked on international tours. Expanding his repertoire, he assumed the producer alias Con*Natural and established his own imprint, Resonance.
Always at the forefront of innovation, he championed digital distribution and embraced DJ podcasting early on, starting in 2013.
Later, he continued to make waves in the drum’n’bass scene, collaborating with acclaimed producers like Makoto and Total Science.
The drum’n’bass scene has paid tribute, with DJ-producer Peshay calling Thompson “a truly unique MC in dnb from day one!! Had his own sound and style and was loved and respected worldwide”.
Steppa called him “a truly gifted legend of the scene, one of the nice guys, and gone far too soon.”
While promoters Drum’n’BassArena said:
“He set the blueprint for generations of MCs with his signature style and brought so much soul to this music.”
