In this video, I sit down with Nicky Lockett—better known as MC Tunes—a pioneering rapper from Manchester whose story bridges the early Electro scene, UK Hip Hop, and the rise of rave culture.
Nicky reflects on his journey into music, starting with under-16s nights at iconic clubs like Legends and The Gallery, where the sound of Electro and breakdancing first caught his imagination. He recalls meeting dancers from Manchester crews like Breaking Glass (Greg Wilson’s crew) and Street Machine, though he laughs that he was never quite as good as them. Even before that, he was into the Sugarhill Gang, with “Rapper’s Delight” opening the door to the rap world around 1979. By 1981, Electro had truly landed, and Nicky was breakdancing before eventually moving from beatboxing to rapping.
He talks about growing up on the same estate as A Guy Called Gerald, and how that friendship led to early collaborations. His first group was called Rock Da House, and in 1985 he traveled solo to a rap championship in London—dressed as a ninja, complete with Samurai sword and black Kangol hat. Things didn’t quite go to plan, and a clash with the DJ over the wrong track got him disqualified, but the fire was already lit.
Nicky recalls how Gerald’s Roland 808 drum machine inspired not just their music but also the name of the now-legendary 808 State, who he met through Eastern Bloc Records. He and Gerald put out an early EP, and his track “Dance Yourself to Death” appeared on a German compilation before “Pacific State” took off, leading to major label interest in MC Tunes. His breakout hit, “The Only Rhyme That Bites,” reached number 10 in the UK charts in 1990—a major feat at a time when physical sales were everything.
He reflects honestly on the challenges of being a Manchester rapper in a city better known for guitars and dance music. While the Madchester scene exploded, he felt like an outsider—admired but not fully embraced. Despite that, his influence was massive, and he later formed the band The Dust Junkys, continuing his love for gritty, street-level music.
At the end of the interview, Nicky picks his all-time favourite Electro track: “Hip Hop Be Bop” by Man Parrish—a nod to the early sound that started it all.
This conversation is a deep dive into a part of Manchester’s music history that often gets overlooked. From street battles in Piccadilly Gardens to the top of the charts, MC Tunes shares his story with raw honesty and humour.
Donate
Upload