The Mastermind story is a unique and important chapter in the history of underground music in the UK. It all began a the late 70’s when the music scene in London was rich with reggae ‘soundsystems’ but there were very few if any ‘soundsystems that specialised in pure Soul/Funk/R&B, add to that the rapidly emerging Rap/Hip Hop artform and as Hip Hop began to take it’s grip the Mastermind Sound System was the place to be to experience it all first hand. Whilst never neglecting the Soul/Funk/R&B ethos Mastermind where the first to work alongside such Hip hop greats as Grand Master Flash, DJ Whizzkid, Afrika Bambaata in addition to many more hip hop icons gracing the Mastermind stage over the years. The Mastermind scene was crazy, especially at carnival located in the infamous ‘’Cage’’ under the Westway; the energy coming off the music we were pumping out and the artists that performed on that stage inspired a new generation of British hip hop artists including Cookie Crew, Wee Papa Girl Rappers, She Rockers, Ritchie Rich and many more at that time. Hip-hop wasn’t just about the music it was a way of life and Mastermind were integral to importing this exciting new lifestyle from the US. Break dancing and Body Poppers were always a feature at their sound system. They also heavily involved in the first ever warehouse jams in West London, alongside Tim Westwood and Soul DJ legend Steve Walsh in addition to pioneering the very first DMC DJ Mix Competitions at Hammersmith Palais. Production work ensued and Mastermind found themselves working with Loose Ends, Harlequin 4, Conway Brothers and Chaka Khan to name but a few. They also compiled mix albums for the infamous Streetsounds label and performed at the first national hip-hop event UK FRESH. Still involved at Carnival Mastermind’s sound system is now located on Canal Way next to Sainsburys in Ladbroke Grove where we have continued in our quest to support signed and unsigned UK and international talent including Jamelia,Truce, Kele Le Roc,Jazzy Jeff, Junglist ‘’Incredible’’ General Levy, Jamaica’s finest in both Babycham & Sean Paul, Tina Moore, Roachford the list is endless Mastermind are very active all year around at various functions and Events both nationally and Internationally. We pride ourselves on ensuring our music policy gives maximum enjoyment to all that attend any event we play and thank Colourful Radio for allowing the opportunity to present this enjoyment experience to the worldwide listening audience.

 

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