Us3 is an eclectic British ensemble that, since their formation in the early 1990s, has traversed the boundaries of jazz and hip-hop to create a pioneering sound that has resonated with fans across the globe. The brainchild of London-based producer Geoff Wilkinson, Us3 burst onto the scene with their groundbreaking debut album "Hand on the Torch" in 1992, which achieved platinum status and featured the hit single "Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia)." This track, which sampled Herbie Hancock's jazz standard "Cantaloupe Island," became an international sensation and helped to cement the group's place in the annals of music history by fusing old-school jazz samples with contemporary rap and vivid beats.

Over the years, Us3's lineup has seen numerous changes, but the act has consistently shown a commitment to innovation and the exploration of genre-blurring sounds. With a discography that includes releases like "The Third Way (Hand on the Torch Vol II)" and "Lie, Cheat & Steal," Us3 continues to capture audiences through their reinterpretation of jazz with modern elements. Despite the ever-changing landscape of music, they have managed to stay relevant by continuously redefining their approach without straying too far from the jazz-infused hip-hop that credited them with early successes. As they look back with projects like "Hand On The Torch - 20th Anniversary Edition," they also continue to experiment with new material, exemplified in extended plays such as "Turn It Up EP" and "The Love Of My Life EP," further showcasing the dynamic and evolving sound that is uniquely Us3.

Genres

Acid Jazz

Jazz Rap

Related Artists

A Tribe Called Quest

De La Soul

The Roots

Guru

Digable Planets

Jamiroquai

Stetsasonic

Gang Starr

Salt-N-Pepa

DJ Shadow

Thievery Corporation

Gregory Porter

Latest Release

The Third Way (Hand on the Torch Vol II)

Us3

Album - 14 Tracks - Released October 14, 2013