Most people who follow me or this blog will know that I made the documentary about the legendary hip hop producer Paul C McKasty.
Paul C helped shape the sound of hip hop during its golden era. Hailing from Queens, his influence and DNA live on through the artists he mentored, inspired and worked alongside. Names such as Large Professor, Ced Gee, TR Love, Moe Love, Organized Konfusion, Super Lover C & Casanova Rud, and Stezo all crossed paths with Paul. His contributions were instrumental in creating some of the most important and defining records in hip hop history.
While I was in New York filming one of my projects, I arranged an interview with Mikey D—the legendary Queens MC and park jam icon. Mikey played a major role in what I consider one of the defining moments in hip hop: The Battle for World Supremacy at the New Music Seminar, where he defeated old-school pioneer Melle Mel. It was more than just a battle—it symbolised the changing of the guard and the arrival of the new school era. It was an incredibly exciting time for the culture.
That interview turned into something much bigger. We connected instantly, and over the years our friendship grew into a genuine brotherhood. Eventually, Mikey came to the UK to headline my King of the Beats UK Tour, performing the classic Main Source material. We had an incredible time, and I later went on to produce several tracks for him, which were released through Mikey’s own platforms.
As I began building my record label, I always knew I wanted to release music with Mikey. The first project was a collection of rare park jam recordings. They’re incredible—capturing one of the greatest MCs of the golden era at the height of his powers, a perfect snapshot of hip hop culture in its purest form.
The second project was even more special: Mikey’s 1982 demo, featuring Johnny Quest and Rahzel, recorded and produced by Professor KB. Unfortunately, at the time I simply wasn’t in a position to give either project the release they deserved.
Fast forward to July 2026. Mikey got in touch to let me know that he and his partner were planning a trip to the UK. He was looking for live shows, but anyone involved in music here knows it’s a difficult time for promoters and artists alike.
Around the same time, I noticed Mikey posting about reissuing the Mikey D & L.A. Posse album—an important release produced by Paul C. Even more exciting, the project included two previously unreleased tracks recorded during the original sessions, featuring none other than Rahzel, the Godfather of Noise.
I told Mikey I could organise some meet-and-greet events around the release and suggested he bring copies of the record. That’s when he told me there were no plans to press it on vinyl.
There are still plenty of Paul C fans around the world who appreciate his legacy, and I believed a properly produced vinyl edition would not only honour that legacy but also find its audience. I offered to handle the project. The artwork needed redesigning and bringing up to the standard I expect, but I knew it was worth doing properly.
Today, we’ve officially signed off on the artwork, and the project is now heading off for vinyl production.
This will be a limited edition release, available directly from the artists themselves.
Even better, Mikey D will be in the UK this November, where fans will have the opportunity to buy signed copies and meet him in person.
Saturday 28 November
Brixton’s Chip Shop
More details will be announced soon.
It’s quite surreal when I think back. Many years ago I set out to track down Mikey D from the second chapter of Main Source, simply because I wanted to tell part of hip hop’s story. I never imagined that journey would lead to a lifelong friendship—or that years later we’d be working together to bring this important piece of hip hop history back to vinyl.
Sometimes things come full circle.
