Speeka

This UK-based alternative hip-hop duo comprises two DJ-producers, Matt Smooth and Rob Mac. They met when Smooth worked in a London drum shop and Mac worked for a drum manufacturer. In 1995, they established ‘Scratch’, one of the UK’s leading hip-hop club nights. Their debut, Bespoke appeared in February 2001 on the respected breakbeat label Ultimate Dilemma, which is also home to Mercury Prize nominees, Zero 7. Speeka’s sound occupies a similar moody and eclectic territory to the latter band. Bespoke took in influences form blues, jazz, hip hop and soul and featured three vocalists, Randolf Matthews, Valerie Perkins and Alison David. Roger Robinson also contributed spoken-word incantations, compared by some to Dr. John and Terry Callier. The album also featured a cover version of the Clash’s ‘London Calling’.