London Posse

London Posse

London Posse are a UK hip hop group from the United Kingdom, associated with britcore, hardcore hip hop, hip hop and underground hip hop. They are among the earliest acts to emerge from the British hip hop scene.

Formation and early work

The group begins with Sipho the Human Beatbox, who brings together Rodney P, Bionic and DJ Biznezz for a tour of the United States supporting Big Audio Dynamite, Mick Jones’ post-Clash project. At first the group does not have a fixed name. While performing in New York City, they are repeatedly called “the London Posse” because of their hometown, and the name stays with them.

On returning to the UK, they release the single “London Posse” on Big Life in 1987. It is produced by Tim Westwood and reflects their experiences on the tour. After this release, Sipho and Biznezz leave the group.

Recordings and releases

Rodney P and Bionic continue as a duo and release “Money Mad” in 1988 on Westwood’s Justice label. They then move to Mango Records, the Island Records subsidiary, where they release further singles and their only album, Gangster Chronicle, in 1990.

The album draws on reggae and New York hip hop, setting it apart from the harder sound common among many British contemporaries. It helps establish London Posse as one of the most distinctive groups in the UK scene.

Later years

After Mango is closed by its parent company, London Posse move to Bullit, run by their manager Errol Bull. They record a second album, but it is never issued. Singles from this period include “How’s Life in London” in 1993, “Supermodel” in 1993 and “Style” in 1996.

Rodney P later continues as a solo artist and works with DJ Skitz hosting a BBC 1Xtra radio show. Bionic moves into drum and bass. In 2001, Word Play Records reissues Gangster Chronicle with later material including “How’s Life in London” and “Pass the Rizla”.