Mellowbag

Mellowbag is a hip-hop formation from Germany and France. The project was formed in 1994, with the core of the group working in the German hip-hop scene of the 1990s. The musicians involved include the producer DJ B-Side, the rapper Tyron Ricketts and other changing members such as the rapper Akanni and the singer Cecile. The musical concept combines English-language rap with soul vocals and jazzy grooves. The style moves between hip-hop, soul and funk influences. In 1997, the band released their first studio album Around the Clock in a Day. The album includes the tracks "Sometimes I Wonder", "My Definition" and "Mellow Magic". The production combines classic hip-hop beats with soul elements and live instruments. In 1998, Mellowbag participated in the single "Tabula Rasa" together with the hip-hop group Freundeskreis and Mr. Gentleman, who later became known as Gentleman. The track reaches number 13 in the German singles charts and becomes one of the project's best-known releases. In 1999, the second studio album Bipolar Opposites is released. The release contains songs such as "Props", "Heartbeat", "Youngblood" and "Never Gonna Stop". The album features an internationally influenced hip-hop sound with English rap lyrics and soulful vocal parts.