If you are a fan of the jazz-rap movement Us3 is a must. On the London originating group’s debut Hand on the Torch album, they sample exclusively from the Blue Note Records catalogue, which was originally produced, and founded by Alfred Lion, who in turn also produced the Horace Parlan recording which spawned Us3’s name. Formed in 1922 by Geoff Wilkinson and his partner Mel Simpson, the group released a few 12"s, earning them rotation on London’s Kiss FM. Us3 really took off with the release of the track “Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia).” The song samples Herbie Hancock’s “Cantaloupe Island.”

Past members include:
Mel Simpson (1993 – 1995)
plus vocalists:
Rahsaan Kelly (1993 – 1995)
Kobie Powell (1993 – 1995)
Tukka Yoot (1993 – 1995, 2013)
KCB (1996 – 1999, 2013)
Shabaam Sahdeeq (1996 – 1999)
Michelob (1999 – 2001)
Alison Crockett (1999 – 2002)
Reggi Wyns (2003 – 2005)
Mpho Skeef (2003 – 2005)
Akil Dasan (2005 – 2007, 2013)
Gaston (2005 – 2007)
Adeline (2007)
Brook Yung (2009)
Sene (2009)
Oveous Maximus (2011)
Akala (2011)