The UMC's | |
---|---|
Also known as |
Universal MC's |
Origin |
Staten Island, New York, U.S. |
Genre |
|
Years active |
1989-1994 |
Label |
Rough Luxury Records (1989) |
Associated acts |
321, Kid Magic, RNS |
Past members |
|
The UMC's, an acronym with multiple meanings as the group saw fit, Undisputed Masters Of Charisma, Unleash My Culture, Usage May Change, and originally Universal MC's, was an American hip hop duo from Staten Island, New York. The group was composed of rappers and producers Haas G and Kool Kim, and first signed to Rough Luxury Records in 1988. After appearing on a compilation album titled RoughHouse Orchestra appearing under the name "The Universal MC's". After meeting DJ Premier (Gangstarr) they were signed to Wild Pitch Records in 1990. Their 1991 debut album, Fruits of Nature, displayed alternative hip hop and jazz rap styles, Their first single Blue Cheese reached #1 on the Billboard HipHop Singles chart, with their second single "One to grow on" achieving #2 on the same chart though making it to #1 internationally on various charts .
The UMC's changed to a more hardcore style with their 1993 sophomore album, Unleashed. The album garnered a #4 Billboard Hiphop Charted single "Time To Set It Straight". However a dispute with the record label found the project shelved and the group ceased to work with WildPitch/EMI.
Following their departure from Wildpitch/EMI , Haas G embarked on a career in record production for other artists. He notably produced "Magic Stick" by Lil' Kim featuring 50 Cent, which reached #2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2003. Kool Kim changed his stage name to NYOIL and released the controversial single "Y'all Should All Get Lynched" and subsequently a solo album in 2007 "HoodTreason".
The duo Intermittenly released various singles throughout the years including an appearance on the song "Joe Frazier" from Sadat X's album Never Left.
Discography[]
Studio albums[]
- 1991: Fruits of Nature
- 1994: Unleashed