Credit to the Nation

Credit to the Nation

Credit to the Nation are a hip hop group from the West Midlands, United Kingdom, active from 1991 to the present. Fronted by MC Fusion, they are among the first commercial UK hip-hop acts to develop a distinctly British sound, while also drawing on Fusion’s Jamaican heritage.

Style and themes

The group’s lyrics often address sexism, racism, homophobia and British politics. At the time, this subject matter runs against the grain for many UK hip hop listeners and attracts considerable hostility.

Releases and notable tracks

The single “Call It What You Want” samples the guitar from Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, which helps the group reach an indie audience as well as hip hop listeners. Other notable tracks include “Teenage Sensation” and “Hear No Bullshit”. These three songs appear on the 1993 album Take Dis, released on One Little Indian.

Live performances

The group’s live act is noted for the synchronised dancing of Mista G and T-Swing. The listed members are Simon “Commonknowledge” Lanzon, MC Fusion, Mista G, T Swing and Simon Lanzon.