Ultramagnetic MC's are the Bronx hip hop pioneers behind Golden Era classic Critical Beatdown (1988) and the first track ever to sample Melvin Bliss's "Synthetic Substitution".
Recently announced
Friday 11th June 2027
Expansions Festival
229 The Venue, London
Doors at 19:00
Recently announced
Saturday 12th June 2027
Expansions Festival
229 The Venue, London
Doors at 19:00
Formed in the Bronx in 1984 by Kool Keith, Ced Gee, TR Love and Moe Love, Ultramagnetic MC's are one of hip hop's most inventive Golden Era groups. Their first 12-inch for Next Plateau Records, "Ego Trippin'", was the first track to sample Melvin Bliss's "Synthetic Substitution", which is now one of the most sampled drum breaks ever. Their debut album Critical Beatdown (1988) followed, packed with favourites like "Ease Back", "Give the Drummer Some", "Travelling at the Speed of Thought" and "Watch Me Now". It was built on chopped-up samples and plenty of James Brown, and it remains a landmark of the era.
Funk Your Head Up (1992) gave fans the underground favourite "Poppa Large", and The Four Horsemen (1993) arrived a year later. The group then reunited for The Best Kept Secret (2007), their first studio album in 14 years. Kool Keith has gone on to build a cult solo career as Dr. Octagon, Dr. Dooom and Black Elvis. Ced Gee, who also worked on Boogie Down Productions' Criminal Minded (1987), is celebrated as a true pioneer of sample-based production.
Yes, this event is part of a wider tour or series. Browse all announced dates above.
Events are taking place at venues listed above. See individual listings for full venue details.
Tickets go on sale on Tuesday 3rd November 2026 at 12:00am.
Ticket prices may vary depending on venue and location. Full pricing details are available on each individual event page.
To stay up to date with new announcements and additional dates, sign up to the Gigantic newsletter or follow us on social media: Facebook X Instagram
