3rd Bass

Officially formed in 1988, American hip-hop group 3rd Bass was one of the first interracial rap acts of the late '80s and early '90s to achieve critical success and earn the respect of their peers. It was founded in New York City by rappers Michael "MC Serch" Berrin and Peter "Prime Minister Pete Nice" Nash, both of whom had previously performed as solo acts. After joining forces with local DJ Richard "DJ Richie Rich" Lawson, 3rd Bass released their critically acclaimed studio debut The Cactus Album in 1989. Produced by Prince Paul and the Bomb Squad, the album was certified gold in the US and produced the Top 5 hit single "The Gas Face," which featured a young MF Doom. Driven by the chart-topping single "Pop Goes the Weasel," a diss track aimed at rapper Vanilla Ice, their sophomore effort Derelicts of Dialect appeared in 1991 and reached Number 10 on the US rap charts. Despite their ever-growing success, 3rd Bass called it quits in 1992 after MC Serch launched his solo career. Only a year later, Prime Minister Pete Nice and DJ Richie Rich released their first and only collaborative album, Dust to Dust. The trio reunited for a few shows in 1998 and later in 2013 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of The Cactus Album.