Main Source
| Company type | Hip hop group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Headquarters | Toronto and New York City , Canada and United States |
Key people | K-Cut, Sir Scratch, J.O.D, Large Professor, Mikey D |
| Products | Hip hop music, albums, singles |
Main Source was a hip hop ensemble blending Canadian and American East Coast influences, originating from both Toronto and New York City. The group consisted of Toronto-born DJs and producers, K-Cut and Sir Scratch, alongside New York-based DJ J.O.D and producer Large Professor. Subsequently, Queens MC Mikey D (Michael Deering) took over the role previously held by Large Professor.
History
Established in 1989, Main Source introduced their first album, Breaking Atoms, in July 1991. This record included notable tracks such as "Looking at the Front Door" and marked the debut of rapper Nas on "Live at the Barbeque," which also featured Joe Fatal and Akinyele. Internal business conflicts led to the group's dissolution before a follow-up album, provisionally named The Science, could be released. Despite this, Sir Scratch and K-Cut later issued Fuck What You Think under the Main Source name, featuring new vocalist Michael Deering (Mikey D). This project introduced The Dog Pack—who would later become The LOX—on the track "Set It Off." However, due to disputes between Wild Pitch Records and management, the album was ultimately shelved. An interesting footnote is that Madonna sampled the bassline from "What You Need" on this album for her 1994 song "Human Nature" from Bedtime Stories.
Prior to joining Main Source, Mikey D was affiliated with the Queens-based group Mikey D & The L.A. Posse, alongside DJ Johnnie Quest and producer Paul C, who had been a mentor to Large Professor. In 1988, Mikey D earned victory at the New Music Seminar's battle for world supremacy.
Large Professor went on to become an influential producer for artists such as Eric B. & Rakim, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Nas, and Diamond D. He alluded to his departure from Sir Scratch and K-Cut on the track "Keep It Rollin'" from A Tribe Called Quest's Midnight Marauders album.
K-Cut contributed production work for prominent figures including Big Pun, Maestro Fresh-Wes, Fu-Schnickens, Queen Latifah, as well as NBA player Shaquille O'Neal. Additionally, he played a mentorship role for Toronto-based producer Watts.
On December 22, 2002, after nearly ten years apart, the original lineup reunited for a live performance in Toronto.
The album Breaking Atoms was honored with a Polaris Heritage Prize jury award in 2020, highlighting its enduring significance within hip hop culture.
Studio albums
- Breaking Atoms (1991)
- Fuck What You Think (1994)
- The Science (2023) (Recorded 1991–1994)
Singles
- "Think" (1989)
- "Looking at the Front Door" (1990)
- "Watch Roger Do His Thing" (1990)
- "Just Hangin' Out" (1991)
- "Peace Is Not the Word to Play" (1991)
- "Fakin' the Funk" (1992)
- "What You Need" (1993)
Guest contributions
- The Brand New Heavies - featured on the track "Bonafide Funk" from the album Heavy Rhyme Experience, Vol. 1 (1992)
Chart performance
| Year | Track | US Rap | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | "Looking at the Front Door" | 1 | Breaking Atoms |
| 1991 | "Just Hangin' Out" | 11 | Breaking Atoms |
| 1992 | "Fakin' the Funk" | 1 | White Men Can't Rap |
| 1994 | "What You Need" | 48 | Fuck What You Think |