Couldn't believe this one when i heard. Derek B was only 45 when he sadly passed of a heart attack. Derek B really did pave the way, for all UK MC'S especially those now getting chart sucess like Chipmunk, Dizzee, etc. Starting out in the early 80's as a rare groove dj, he soon hooked up with the leading Pirate radio station LWR, and his "Good Grove show" used to come on after Westwood. By 1987 he was killing it in the clubs such as "The Wag" in Wardor street, and then signed to Simon Harris and Chris France's "Music of Life " record label which saw the release of his hits Good Groove, and Bad young brother. Derek B paved the way also for the following reasons...
* THE FIRST UK MC TO REGULARLY APPEAR ON TOP OF THE POPS
* THE FIRST UK MC TO BE PUSHED IN AMERICA
* THE FIRST UK MC TO HAVE DECENT US MC'S ON HIS ALBUM (PUBLIC ENEMY FEATURED ON HIS ALBUM BULLET FROM A GUN)
* THE FIRST PERSON I EVER SAW IN UK HIP HOP TO HAVE A MOBILE PHONE AND A PORSCHE IN 1987.
* THE FIRST UK MC TO APPEAR IN SMASH HITS MAGAZINE
* THE FIRST UK MC TO HAVE A US MANAGEMENT DEAL (WITH RUSSELL SIMMONS RUSH TOWN MANAGEMENT)
And the list goes on, and on....
By the time we hit 1989, that was the last i ever heard of Derek B, only to see him on myspace, about 4 years ago. I remember i sent him a message, just to say big up for all the work he did. He hit me back, and seemed genuinely touched. He said he checked out my radio show on Kiss and told me to keep up the good work... DEREK B AKA DEREK BOLAND...AKA DJ EASY Q...RIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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