In the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, while Acid House dominated dance culture, a grassroots movement emerged from inner-city neighborhoods in the UK known as street soul. Despite its significance, this DIY sound remains largely overlooked in the history of club culture.
Characterized by raw, hip-hop inspired rhythms, reggae-influenced basslines, and ‘80s synth melodies accompanied by soulful vocals, UK street soul flourished in clubs, blues parties, and on pirate radio stations. Although it grew in the shadows, it gained a devoted underground following, with original LPs now commanding high prices and a resurgence of interest in recent years.
Some of the key figures in this movement include brit-funk legends Loose Ends, Elite Records and Toyin Agbetu (Master Tee) whose productions during this era epitomize the essence of UK street soul. Influenced by American soul and Brit Funk, these producers cultivated a distinct British identity within the genre.
Elite Records, a small dance label that kickstarted the UK street soul movement with groups like Atmosfear and Projection played a vital role in its development and created the template for the DIY ethos with many producers operating from their own bedrooms. (You can pick up 12" singles on the Elite Dazz for less than £10 and they are great! Look especially for producer A. Sokja in the credits.)
Operating on small, independent labels, artists like producer Master Tee embraced the DIY ethos, owning their studios and delivering records themselves. This freedom allowed for innovation, resulting in a raw, soulful sound characterized by distinctive drum patterns and basslines. For his work have a look for things on the Unyque label or under the Soul Connection banner. Master Tee produced the seminal LP "Lovers Soul" by Rosaline Joyce who had sung many Lovers Rock classics with obvious similarities between the two genres in their pared-back, sweet sound.
With limited resources, these artists produced honest and authentic music, often with a strong social message. Pirate radio stations played a crucial role in promoting UK street soul, particularly in cities like Manchester where the scene thrived. Manchester produced two of the genre's finest acts; Fifth of Heaven and Diane Charlemagne. Fifth of Heaven's "Just a Little More" is a classic track that became a club favourite inspite of its minor key melancholy and pared back production. Charlemagne sang with 52nd Street and Cool Down Zone, also classics of the time.
Loose Ends, pioneers in blending soul and jazz with British sensibilities, gained recognition for their slick productions working with Nick Martinelli (US record producer responsible for the Ghostbusters theme!). They set a standard for the genre with hits like "Hangin' on a String" using sparse TR808 drum machine beats that sound uniquely UK homegrown. This slightly more commercial template encouraged major labels to take an interest in the genre and the UK scene with Soul II Soul, The Chimes and Young Disciples among others taking on the mantle.
Despite limited recognition outside the underground scene, the influence of UK street soul can be felt in the global neo-soul movement, with its raw, authentic sound serving as a template for artists like Erykah Badu and Jill Scott.
In essence, UK street soul represents a uniquely British phenomenon, born out of inner-city experiences and characterized by its message of love and authenticity.
5 classic UK Street Soul LPs to check out:
2) Young Disciples - Road to Freedom
3) Cool Down Zone - New Direction