Marxman were a four-piece Marxist hip-hop group with two MCs formed in London and active between 1989 and 1996. Their lyrics expounded communism and an end to economic and social injustice. They are one of only a few groups that combine hip-hop with traditional Irish compositions.
The band was formed by college friends Stephen Brown (Phrase D) and (MC) Hollis Michael Byrne, who also enlisted the help of Byrne's childhood friend from Ireland, Oisin Lunny, son of Irish traditional musician Dónal Lunny. The band were completed by scratch mixer DJ K One. Together they developed an overt political message in a scene dominated by Gangsta rap, inspired by Hip-Hop, Motown soul and traditional Irish music.
Links to Peel[]
Peel first played Marxman in September 1992 via their single, 'Ship Ahoy'. Further material from the group were played on his radio programmes including a session they recorded for his programme in 1992.
Sessions[]
1. Recorded: 1992-10-25. First Broadcast: 27 November 1992. Repeated: 06 March 1993
- Revolution Is Not A Revolution / Drifting / Fascist
Other Shows Played[]
- 26 September 1992: Ship Ahoy (12") Talkin' Loud
- 04 October 1992 (BFBS): Ship Ahoy (Full Mix) (12") Talkin' Loud
- 24 October 1992: 'Ship Ahoy (12")' (Talkin' Loud)
- 1993
- 19 March 1993: Father Like Son (album 33 Revolutions Per Minute) Talkin' Loud
- 26 March 1993: Do You Crave Mystique (album - 33 Revolutions Per Minute) Talkin' Loud
- 27 March 1993: Droppin' Elocution (album - 33 Revolutions Per Minute) Talkin' Loud
- 02 April 1993: The Fascist Boom (single - Ship Ahoy) Talkin' Loud
- 07 April 1993 (John Peel Is Jakki Brambles): Father Like Son (LP - 33 Revolutions per Minute) Talkin' Loud
- 09 April 1993: The Fascist Boom (single - Ship Ahoy) Talkin' Loud
- 09 April 1993: Dark Are The Days (album - 33 Revolutions Per Minute) Talkin' Loud
- 10 April 1993 (BFBS): Do You Crave Mystique (LP - 33 Revolutions Per Minute) Talkin' Loud
- 1994
- 22 October 1994: Wassinit? For The Cynic (EP - The Cynic) Talkin' Loud
- 25 November 1994: Wassinit? For The Cynic (EP - The Cynic) Talkin' Loud
- 1997
- 13 January 1997 (John Peel's Classic Sessions): Fascist (session)