Surreal Knowledge

Surreal Knowledge

Surreal Knowledge are a four-piece hip hop group from Blackpool, Lancaster and Morecambe, now based in Manchester. The group consists of Derogatory, also known as Stoopid iLL and Bobby Esmond, who performs as a DJ, producer and MC; Jay Madden, also known as Homicide, who is an MC; Mr Dick, also known as Pete Cannon, who is a DJ, producer and MC; and Da Sharpest, also known as Swamp Thing, who is a DJ and producer.

Style and approach

The group’s music combines hip hop with influences from rock, jazz, funk, soul, R&B and electro. Their tracks use sampled loops and stabs, live instrumentation, scratching, rapping and occasional singing. Their approach is to mix different musical elements into hip hop that remains accessible to listeners beyond specialist rap audiences.

Live work and collaborations

Surreal Knowledge perform with DJ tricks, MCing, original material and freestyle, and their shows also include stage props and bright green operating scrubs. They have performed across the UK and support acts including Tim Westwood, Adam F, Scratch Perverts, Klashnekoff, Skinnyman and DJ Cash Money. Mr Dick and Derogatory also perform with Grand Central Records act Funky Fresh Few, following an appearance on their album Stealing. The group works with Blackpool crew Primitive Form, contributing beats, studio help and DJing for live sets, and the two acts also appear together on North West radio and at live shows.

Record label and release plans

Surreal Knowledge form and work closely under Tactical Thinking Records, and they are organising an independent release of their music. They also seek recording and management deals.