The Brotherhood (rap group)

The Brotherhood

Company type	Music group
Industry	Music
Founded	1984
Founder	Lorenzo (Laurence Knopf), DJ Pump Action, Son of Funk, The Pioneer
Defunct	1998
Headquarters	London , United Kingdom
Products	Hip hop music, albums, EPs

The Brotherhood emerged as a trailblazing UK hip-hop ensemble, garnering a substantial fanbase throughout the United Kingdom from the early 1990s onward. Their initial projects were released under the influential British hip hop label Bite It! Recordings, which eventually led to a contract with Virgin. Their 1996 album Elementalz is widely celebrated as one of the finest UK hip hop records and hailed as "a remarkable milestone in British music." The group dissolved in 1998 and is recognized as one of the most impactful contributors to 1990s UK hip-hop.

1984–89 The Brotherhood VIP

Originating in 1984 as an informal collective named Brotherhood VIP ("Vagabonds in Power," a phrase inspired by a Fela Kuti album), the group consisted of rappers, dancers, graffiti artists, and DJs from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds, including black, white, Muslim, and Jewish members. Prominent participants included Aston Harvey (who later became DJ Hasty of Freestylers), Tanzanian Muslim MC Sir Yes, and producer Secretgrooves. Founding member Lorenzo (Laurence Knopf, also known as Mr Shylok) explained that the name symbolized their vision of "unity among races." Throughout the 1980s, Brotherhood VIP maintained a strong presence within North London’s underground hip hop community. Their mixtapes circulated until 1989 when the original members parted on good terms. By 1990, The Brotherhood—now featuring DJ/Producer Son of Funk (Jason Roth, who later performed as DJ Diablo with Roots Manuva's "Banana Clan")—continued crafting demos with production input from Secretgrooves, who had formed a new act called VIP alongside Sir Yes. Lorenzo (Mr Shylok) also contributed to VIP’s demo recordings.

1991: Descendants of the Holocaust EP

The Brotherhood was reformed by original members Lorenzo and DJ Pump Action (later known as DJ Crystl), joined by Son of Funk (DJ Diablo) and The Pioneer. Lorenzo teamed up with producer Trevor "The Underdog" Jackson to create their debut 12" EP titled Descendants of the Holocaust in 1991. Initially produced by Lorenzo and Son of Funk, this release marked the launch of the Bite It! label, which also showcased artists such as "The Scientists of Sound" and "Little Pauly Ryan." The track drew upon their shared Jewish roots and achieved a peak position of number 8 on the UK's Echoes Hip Hop Chart.

The media largely portrayed the group as a "Jewish Rap Band," often branding them as "the Jewish Public Enemy." An article in The Independent triggered global media interest that concentrated more on their ethnic identity than their music. Characterized as 'Jewish political protest rap,' The Brotherhood received coverage from outlets including The New York Times, Def II's 'Reportage', and NBC News. Representatives from major US and UK record companies promptly attended live performances and Bite It! events with intentions to sign them. The band issued public statements asserting that their Jewish background was unrelated to their musical output and encouraged listeners to judge their work based on its artistic merit.

Although the US hip-hop industry generated higher revenue streams, The Brotherhood declined media engagements and contract offers they felt conflicted with their artistic principles, choosing to stay with Bite It!. Lorenzo highlighted their mission: to produce authentic rap music that motivates audiences irrespective of their circumstances. They expressed concerns that involvement with larger labels could dilute their creative integrity and perpetuate harmful stereotypes about Jewish influence in media industries. Lorenzo later identified the media’s obsession with their Jewish identity as a significant factor leading to the group’s breakup, citing the press’s reluctance to look beyond that singular narrative.

1992 EP: Wayz Of The Wize

In 1992, DJ Pump Action departed from The Brotherhood to establish a successful career in Drum & Bass under the name "DJ Crystl," signing with London Records and earning recognition as a producer. Around this period, Lorenzo connected with Mr Dexter, a notable figure in UK hip-hop from the 1980s, renowned for collaborations with MC Blade, MC Merlin, and MC Kann as D to the K. Dexter also contributed as Positive Clan on the 1988 album HardCore One, securing his status within the UK old school hip-hop community.

Within twelve months, their EP Wayz of the Wise attracted comparisons to American groups House of Pain and Cypress Hill, despite skepticism from UK media about domestic hip hop. NME lauded it as “one of the UK's finest hip hop singles ever,” emphasizing its brass sections and drum arrangements. Critics highlighted its "heavy bass funk," "robust hip hop rhythms," diverse lyrical flows, and polished production quality. The B-side tracks included ‘Break It Down,’ a slower piece featuring metal-style guitar riffs and scratching, and 'Hit The Funk,' which showcased their unique vocal delivery. The release climbed to number 4 on NME's Hip Hop Chart in November 1992.

Soon after, The Pioneer exited the group and was succeeded by longtime associate Mista Spyce (Chris Evans), an experienced artist from London’s early hip hop scene and member of the street dance crew Warp Drive. Lorenzo adopted the alias Mr Shylok, completing a multicultural lineup that remained stable through future projects.

1993: The Brotherhood XXIII

In 1993, an untitled white label appeared, followed by a 12-track EP titled The Brotherhood XXII, featuring singles such as "IMightSmokeASpliffButIWon'tSniff" and "Beats R Ruff N Rugged". The release received acclaim for its "fast-paced, razor-sharp rhymes", "the best verses among British rap crews", "punchy beats and blaring horns", as well as "exceptional jazzy tracks interspersed with solid rhythms". The lyrics reflected UK-centric themes by acknowledging how trash culture influences rap, while the sound blended gritty blues-style scratches with a hardcore bassline and insightful lyricism.

1994: Hip Hop N' Rap (That's Where My Heart Is At)

The last 12" issued on Bite It! showcased a rougher sonic texture featuring a L.O.T.U scratch, drawing parallels to House of Pain and Cypress Hill. Notably, The Brotherhood rapped using their authentic London accents, embracing British hip hop identity rather than mimicking American styles. Mr Dexter stressed their dedication: “Many British people involved in rap don’t fully embrace being British or believe imitating American rap is essential, which frustrates us.” The group remained committed to purely domestic references, rejecting Americanized gangsta stereotypes. NME recognized their pioneering role in British instrumental hip hop combined with lyrics grounded in a distinctly British perspective, positioning them as innovative outsiders within the UK pop dissent tradition.

1995 + Elementalz

In 1995, the group signed with Virgin Records and released the 12" EP Alphabetical Response, accompanied by a stark black-and-white video. Its noir aesthetic stood in sharp contrast to typical US rap visuals, although comparisons to Cypress Hill and House of Pain continued. NME described the track as incorporating "a Speak and Spell Machine alongside eerie childlike synths" layered over dynamic beats. Subsequently, "One Shot" emerged as their most prominent single, supported by a moody monochrome video filmed at Woolwich Arsenal beneath a cloudy London skyline.

Their critically praised 1996 album Elementalz, which took two years to complete, featured singles like "Punk Funk" and the 12" Mad Headz. Leading UK music publications hailed the band as "the saviors of UK Hip Hop" and regarded the album as "a remarkable milestone in British music." The record displayed unmistakable UK influences through samples from artists such as Brian Auger and Shirley Bassey alongside lyrical nods to British cultural staples like Playschool and Jackanory. The Brotherhood upheld a DIY spirit reminiscent of punk ethos, focusing on genuine UK hip hop rather than replicating American trends. Mr Dexter attributed guidance from Johnny Rotten at an anti-apartheid rally as pivotal in shaping this approach.

During this era, The Brotherhood earned acclaim within UK hip hop circles, securing a Black Music Award for Best Rap Act. The album’s cover art by Dave McKeen also received praise. Virgin supported videos for "Alphabetical Response," "Punk Funk," and "One Shot," each featuring monochrome imagery with claustrophobic framing and gritty urban scenes. Despite backing from a major label, the band soon transitioned to the smaller Blueprint label amid speculation about pressure to adopt a more commercial sound and a desire for increased artistic freedom. This change followed the sudden passing of their manager Marts Androps, formerly managing House DJ Roger Sanchez. Their subsequent management was led by Neil Easterby from New York’s Profile Records, an influential label within hip hop and urban music circles.

1998: Dungeon Town EP

In 1998, the band released their concluding EP and accompanying music video, Dungeon Town, through Blueprint. Incorporating samples from the iconic song "London Town," this EP reinforced their dedication to genuine London-accented hip hop. The lyrics and the black-and-white video showcased quintessential London imagery, including a traditional 'fry up' café, underground trains and buses adorned with graffiti, dimly lit subway stations, and gritty urban streets. Critics responded favorably to the EP, commending the group's resurgence and steady lyrical delivery. After this release, approximately twenty tracks were recorded; nevertheless, the band disbanded shortly thereafter. This final collection of 20 tracks remains unreleased alongside other scarce recordings.

2002: Hardcore Solution Part 2 LP

The Swiss label Hardcore One featured "Panicky," a track from the unreleased 1998 album, on a European Hardcore Rap compilation in 2002.

2016: Underground United Vol. 3 2xLP

At the close of 2016, Germany's Underground United label, collaborating with Naked Ape Records, issued "The Return," another piece from the unreleased 1998 album.

Airplay, venues, tours and TV

The Brotherhood appeared at major festivals such as Reading, Quark, Phoenix, Finsbury Park, Barcelona Sónar, Cork Jazz Festival, and Roskilde. They opened for renowned artists including The Roots, The Beastie Boys, Guru and Genius/GZA at London's Astoria, Nightmares on Wax at Manchester's Hacienda, Cypress Hill, Blade, and the Wu Tang Clan. Their music was broadcast on UK radio stations like Kiss FM's Max & Dave Radio Show, BBC Radio 1's Tim Westwood Show, and Choice FM's DJ 279 Radio Show. Television appearances included MTV, The Box, and BBC's Behind The Headlines. Additionally, their track "Put Up Shut Up" was featured on the 1993 hip-hop compilation EP titled The British Underground.

1a. Brotherhood VIP Lineup

• Lorenzo
• DJ Pump Action
• DJ Hasty
• Sir Yes
• Secretgrooves

1b. Brotherhood Lineup

• Lorenzo
• Son Of Funk (DJ Diablo)
• DJ Pump Action
• The Pioneer
• The Mad Scientist

2. Wayz of The Wize Lineup

• Lorenzo
• The Pioneer
• Mista Dexter

3. Final Lineup

• Mr Shylok
• Mista Dexter
• Mista SPYCE

Collaborations

In 1998, Light Of The World appeared on the 12” Dungeon Town. That same year saw The Brotherhood collaborate on Project X's Mad Doctor X.

Discography

• Descendents of the Holocaust EP (Bite It! Recordings – 1991)
• Descendents of the Holocaust (Remix) (Bite It! Recordings – 1991)
• Wayz of The Wise [12"] (Bite It! Recordings – 1992)
• Untitled '93 [LP] (White Label, Bite It! Recordings – 1993)
• XXIII EP [CD] (Bite It! Recordings – 1993)
• Hip Hop N'Rap [12"] (Bite It! Recordings – 1994)
• Hip Hop N'Rap (Straight Up Remix) [12"] (White Vinyl Promo, Bite It! Recordings – 1994)
• Crashing The System (Virgin 25th Anniversary Box Set, 1994)
• Alphabetical Response [12"] (Virgin, 1995)
• One Shot/Nothing in Particular [CD LP] (Virgin, 1996)
• Elementalz [CD LP] (Virgin, 1996)
• One Shot/Nothing in Particular (Remix) [12"] (Bite It! Recordings)
• Punk Funk [CD Single] (Virgin, 1996)
• Punk Funk (Remix) [CD Single] (Virgin/Bite It! Recordings)
• Mad Headz [12"] (Virgin, 1996)
• Dungeon Town [EP] (Blueprint, 1998)

External links

• UK Hip Hop: A Historical Overview. The Underground Era: 1990–1995.
• Last FM Profile: The Brotherhood.