Mike Allen Hip Hop Pioneer
If you were to mention the name Mike Allen to people who know about hip hop who are under 40, most people would stare at you with a blank face. However if you mention that same name to people in their 40's most would know who he was and what he did for hip hop.
Back in the days before social media, and MP3 and smart phones there were two ways to get your hip hop. Either buying vinyl or by listening to the Mike Allen show on a Friday night on Capital Radio 95.8 FM. Between 84 to 87 Mike hosted a weekly hip hop show.The show turned into a national show with National Fresh which was on for two hours every Saturday across various stations on the FM network.
Every week Mike would play the freshest cuts straight from the US. He introduced us to such artists as Word of Mouth feat DJ Cheese "King Kut", Bryon Davis and the Fresh Crew "My Hands are quicker than the eye", Cutmaster DC "Brooklyn Rocks the Best" to name but a few. If you look at some of the album covers from artists during this time many would say special thanks to Mike Allen. From time to time Mike would have guests on his show such as Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, Cash Money and Marvelous.
You had to wait a week between shows to get the latest releases. Imagine if we had to do that now. But back then it was the norm. During the Friday night show Mike would run down the hip hop chart from sales at Groove Records at 52 Greek St. Soho. The best place to get the latest hip hop imports for around £5 for a 12" which was a lot back then. When you walked past the store the sounds would be booming out. Groove Records has long since closed and is now a clothes shop. The shop still has vinyl on the floor as part of it roots.
Back in the days before social media, and MP3 and smart phones there were two ways to get your hip hop. Either buying vinyl or by listening to the Mike Allen show on a Friday night on Capital Radio 95.8 FM. Between 84 to 87 Mike hosted a weekly hip hop show.The show turned into a national show with National Fresh which was on for two hours every Saturday across various stations on the FM network.
Every week Mike would play the freshest cuts straight from the US. He introduced us to such artists as Word of Mouth feat DJ Cheese "King Kut", Bryon Davis and the Fresh Crew "My Hands are quicker than the eye", Cutmaster DC "Brooklyn Rocks the Best" to name but a few. If you look at some of the album covers from artists during this time many would say special thanks to Mike Allen. From time to time Mike would have guests on his show such as Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, Cash Money and Marvelous.
You had to wait a week between shows to get the latest releases. Imagine if we had to do that now. But back then it was the norm. During the Friday night show Mike would run down the hip hop chart from sales at Groove Records at 52 Greek St. Soho. The best place to get the latest hip hop imports for around £5 for a 12" which was a lot back then. When you walked past the store the sounds would be booming out. Groove Records has long since closed and is now a clothes shop. The shop still has vinyl on the floor as part of it roots.
Mike became the face of UK hip hop back in the day, before Tim Westwood and Dave Pearce became household names. Westwood used to be on the then pirate radio station Kiss and Dave Pearce used to be BBC Radio London. On television, Grange Hill had a few episodes around hip hop and Mike was a special advisor on it.
In 1986 in conjunction with Street Sounds and Capital Radio, Mike fronted for UK Fresh 86. Still recognised as one of the greatest hip hop events of all time in the UK. Mind you not many people remember it, apart from those who where there on the day, as there is no known videos of it. Only an audio from Mike's Capital Rap show. (Some of which can be found on YouTube. DJ cheese's and Mantronix's set are awesome)
Capital Radio broadcast both sets on the day and evening. The major stars of the day played. Word of Mouth ft DJ Cheese, Mantronix, Steady B, Sir Mix a Lot. I was looking forward to seeing Roxanne Shante but she did not turn up and Luvbug Starski replaced her also RUN DMC could not also make it.
In 1986 in conjunction with Street Sounds and Capital Radio, Mike fronted for UK Fresh 86. Still recognised as one of the greatest hip hop events of all time in the UK. Mind you not many people remember it, apart from those who where there on the day, as there is no known videos of it. Only an audio from Mike's Capital Rap show. (Some of which can be found on YouTube. DJ cheese's and Mantronix's set are awesome)
Capital Radio broadcast both sets on the day and evening. The major stars of the day played. Word of Mouth ft DJ Cheese, Mantronix, Steady B, Sir Mix a Lot. I was looking forward to seeing Roxanne Shante but she did not turn up and Luvbug Starski replaced her also RUN DMC could not also make it.
If it was not for pioneers like Mike I don't think hip hop scene would have been as popular as it was. It was sad when he left Capital Radio to move on to LBC. He sold he collection of records, the person who bought them must have the best collection without doubt.
I will leave you with the saddest quote from Mike, "I did not leave Hip Hop, Hip Hop left me".
I will leave you with the saddest quote from Mike, "I did not leave Hip Hop, Hip Hop left me".
