Formed by Chini and Defty in South Manchester, The Mouse Outfit cut their teeth as a live band for a hip-hop open mic night called In The Loop. It was at these events that the connections were formed to create 2013’s debut album Escape Music. A verified UK hip-hop classic, this album gained The Mouse Outfit a reputation for nurturing local talent and bringing them to the attention of a wider audience. Tried and tested on the festival circuit, and highly respected as the UK’s premier live hip-hop band, their growing reputation caught the attention of the BBC, who have consistently promoted their music and invited them to two sessions at Maida Vale and one at Salford’s Media City for Mary Anne Hobbs.
Their second album ‘Step Steadier’ (2015) cemented their stature, making the top ten of ABC News’ albums of the year, whilst on their ‘Remixed’ album (2016) they collaborated with internationally acclaimed producers, including Dub Phizix, Tall Black Guy and DJ Vadim.
These kind of accolades helped the band reach an international audience which has allowed them to tour in over 14 countries across Europe and Asia over the last three years.
Introducing The Mouse Outfit’s third studio album, the 17 track ’JAGGED TOOTH CROOK’. With over 29 musicians, vocalists and producers involved in the album (including Blue Note’s Ashley Henry and the Cinematic Orchestra’s Sam Vicary), this is their most ambitious project to date. The lead single from the album (I Wonder – feat. IAMDDB & Fox) has already clocked up over 900,000 views on Youtube. Production has been overseen by the band founders Chini and Defty with help from synth wizard Metrodome (LEVELZ).
Contributions have also come from the band’s drummer Deese and Pitch 92 (High Focus).
This album retains the trademark head nodding beats of the band’s previous releases, but on Jagged Tooth Crook, The Mouse Outfit’s jazz and soul influences are even more evident. In truest form Chini and Defty have sought out a new generation of talent to collaborate with…four tracks from last year’s breakout soulstress IAMDDB (winner of the breakthrough act of the year award at Gilles Peterson Worldwide Awards 2018), and a roster of Manchester’s most talked about rappers and singers, including Kinkai, Berry Blacc, Ellis Meade & Dubbul O, T-Man and Layfullstop. Long time collaborators Fox, Sparkz , Dr Syntax & Black Josh are also present alongside Birmingham based TrueMendous.
