MC Conrad, acclaimed drum’n’bass vocalist, dies aged 52
MC Conrad, a singer who expanded and enhanced the potential for jungle and drum’n’bass during the 1990s and beyond, has passed away at the age of 52. According to his agency Clinic Talent, his death has been verified and they have released a statement commemorating him, saying: "He was one of the most distinctive and adored voices in D&B, and his contributions will remain unparalleled."
The artist, whose birth name was Conrad Thompson, was highly praised for his talent for speaking, singing, and his fondness for the jazz-inspired side of the music genre. He collaborated with well-known producers like LTJ Bukem and PFM. However, there is currently no information on what caused his death.
Initially, Thompson had a career as a hip-hop MC, but he faced difficulties until he was invited to join the smiley face rave crew. He then transitioned to become a raver and incorporated singing into his high-paced rapping style. This made him a perfect partner for LTJ Bukem, a British producer who was experimenting with merging jazz fusion and bass music. Thompson became an important artist for Bukem's record label, Good Looking Records, and performed alongside popular figures in the scene like Fabio at their club residency at London's Mars Bar, known as Speed.
Together, he and Bukem joined forces to create a mix for BBC’s Essential Mix series, and they later released a groundbreaking album titled Progression Sessions 1 in 1998. This album solidified their status as one of the most essential DJ-MC duos in the British dance music scene.
Thompson quickly started performing in various countries around the world and eventually created a producer name, Con*Natural, alongside establishing his own Resonance label. He was a strong advocate for digital means of distribution and was among the first to endorse DJ podcasting back in 2013. He went on to experience success in the drum’n’bass genre, working with renowned producers like Makoto and Total Science.
The world of drum’n’bass has honored the memory of a talented MC, Thompson, with numerous heartfelt messages. Peshay, a DJ and producer, described him as a one-of-a-kind artist who had his own distinct sound and was well-respected throughout the world of drum’n’bass from the very beginning. Steppa, another prominent figure in the scene, referred to Thompson as a gifted and legendary icon who was greatly admired for his kind nature, and lamented his untimely passing. Drum’n’BassArena organizers added that Thompson elevated the music with his unmistakable style, which has inspired many generations of MCs and infused the genre with soulful vibes.
