Biography
England's prominently promoted trip-hop imprint Mo'Wax maintains a roster largely composed of home-studio enthusiasts who transitioned into recording artists, yet Attica Blues remains its nearest approximation to a functioning band. This multicultural ensemble originated in 1994 after producers D'Afro, born Charlie Williams, and Tony Nwachukwu first crossed paths. D'Afro had earlier established London's Urban Poets Society collective, after which the pair adopted the Attica Blues name for their sustained studio work. While attempting to sell Japanese hip-hop records, D'Afro encountered Mo'Wax founder James Lavelle, who then extended an invitation to join the label. The duo initially tracked their debut single without additional members, but Egyptian-born local student Roba El-Essawy joined after visiting the studio during those sessions. Attica Blues issued their opening EPs, Vibes, Scribes 'N Dusty 45s and Blueprint, in 1995, followed by two further releases across 1996-97. Mo'Wax delivered the group's self-titled debut album in September 1997. D'Afro and Nwachukwu have additionally supplied remixes for Flora Purim and Sneaker Pimps as well as label associates U.N.K.L.E., DJ Krush, and Adriana Evans.
Albums