ARTISTS
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Def Tex – old school veterans? Well, you could call them that. Originally formed in 1986, they’ve been cutting their teeth on the mic, turntables & sampler for as long as they can remember.
The early line up was CHROME, SURE DELIGHT & ROXKI (now known as R-KEY) back in the days when they took the Brixton ‘Illin Rap Clash’ by storm, and won hands down. After those days of being the consummate pub rap band came the ill-fated deal with Ten records (Virgin dance subsidiary, at the time home to Soul II Soul, Mantronix & Loose Ends). Highlights of this period were the first tour with De La Soul and numerous gigs with the likes of BDP, Cash Money & Marvellous, & the Demon Boyz. It was also around this time that THE ANTHROPOLOGIST (originally part of the Def Tex dance crew, ‘2 True’) first picked up the mic, and the early Ten records tracks came out on the Soundclash label.
The ‘Master Blaster’ EP became the blueprint for the Def Tex sound: hard, but musically thoughtful. So we’re now talking about the dark days of the UK hip-hop scene, no industry interest saw most groups putting out their own budget material, And struggling to keep it going. Def Tex were no exception, notching up a total of 8 EPs, and a gang of rave reviews. The boys proved they were in it for the long term.
This vital experience of putting out records and working with various musicians to create different incarnations of the Def Tex sound brought about their first hook-up with Son Records, the ‘Poetic Speech Techniques’ EP (1998). Working with drum & bass producers, the E-Z Rollers, saw their sound move on to the next level, and confidence running at an all-time high. With the next release on Son, the ‘Synchronise’ EP, things got even better. Forming a proper band meant that live performances were elevated too, along with the recordings. Just ask anyone lucky enough to check their shows.
2001 saw the release of their sublime debut album ‘Serene Bug’, loved by all who listened. Since then they spent a whole deal of time out on the road, composing, recording, releasing EP’s (2003’s Dancehaul’ and 2005’s ‘Freaks’) losing band members, acquiring new ones, living - all the usual stuff - before eventually returning with a whole new bag of musical tricks, and a deeper, more eclectic sound with second album 'Thanks But No Thanks' in 2007.
Press for Def Tex’s debut album ‘Serene Bug’:
“Serene Bug” shows the group’s ability to lead rather than follow. Reaffirms Def Tex’s position in the annals of UK rap. We can’t hype this album enough - It really is that good!’
– Hip Hop Connection
‘Fresh, unpretentious and heartfelt. Truly sublime...’ – Muzik
‘...addictive beats and fresh loops. Exceptional stuff...’ – Ministry
‘A gem of an album...raw edginess and potent funk. ‘Serene Bug’ is one of the most musical and forward thinking albums these shores have ever produced...’ – IDJ
‘Digital reggae bass, fresh lyrics delivered in an iconoclastic manner, and sheer grit...’NME
‘It’s albums like “Serene Bug” that give me hope... Def Tex give a wicked live performance as well. I’ve seen it. So there...’ – Blues and Soul
‘An awesome work. “Serene Bug” is one of the most impeccable records I’ve ever had the pleasure to hear. In a league of their own, Def Tex have produced a masterpiece’–Knowledge
‘Lyrically one of the most expressive albums to come from these shores. Impressive stuff...’
– The Voice
Def Tex discography
‘Thanks But No Thanks’ album
(Son, 2007)
‘Run’ EP
(Son, 2007)
‘Freaks’ EP
(Son, 2005)
‘Dancehaul’ EP
(Son, 2003)
‘Serene Bug’ album
(Son, 2001)
‘Sing Sad Songs’ (Def Tex & Large Lefties)
(Monkeyface, 2001)
‘Synchronise’ EP
(Son, 2000)
‘How Would You Put This’ (Sir Beanz OBE feat. Def Tex)
(SFDB, 2000)
‘Poetic Speech Techniques’ EP
(Son, 1999)
‘Caught With My Eyes Out’ EP
(Soundclash, 1997)
‘Tutorial Sessions III’ EP
(Soundclash, 1996)
‘Moon Meditation’ EP
(Soundclash, 1995)
‘Tutorial Sessions II’ EP
(Soundclash, 1993)
‘Herbs & Verbs’ EP
(Soundclash, 1993)
‘Tutorial Sessions’ EP
(Soundclash, 1992)
‘Master Blaster’ EP
(Soundclash, 1991)
‘Gunshot 145’ (R-Key)
(Soundclash, 1990)
