Richy Pitch

Among the few British artists inked to an independent U.S. hip-hop imprint, producer and DJ Richy Pitch represents a notable exception. Born in Hertfordshire, he enrolled in education courses at the nearby University of London while simultaneously launching his earliest parties. Shaped by classic hip-hop recordings, he landed opening DJ slots for Gilles Peterson of Talkin' Loud as well as for Soul II Soul, later stepping into full promotion by organizing a British tour for the American 7 Heads collective. That partnership produced a recording deal, and Pitch's debut album, Live at Home, appeared in 2002.