Deep Down & Dirty

Deep Down & Dirty is the fourth studio album by the British electronic band Stereo MCs, released June 12, 2001, nine years after the successful Connected. The album maintains a similar style to its predecessor with deep-groove, beatbox funk, nods to soul-jazz and gospel though music critics at the time noted it's grittier, edgier approach. The title track was released as the albums first single. It was recorded at Frontline Studios, Brixton, London. The Stereo MC's toured from 1992 until 1994 in support of their previous album, Connected following the resounding success of its 1992 release which earned two coveted Brit Awards (including album of the year) before taking an extended hiatus due to being "burnt out" explained Nick "the Head" Hallam in a Billboard interview. "It got to a point where Rob and I weren't even really talking -- and this went on for about one year. This was particularly bizarre, as we've known each other since we were 6 years old." During their absence, the two formed a publishing company (Spirit Songs) and an independent label (Response Records). They also remixed U2's Mysterious Ways and Madonna's Frozen under the Ultimatum alias. In 2000 they mixed a volume of the DJ Kicks series for German imprint Studio !K7. The first single released was the title track, Deep Down and Dirty and was issued to modern rock and college radio at the end of April. Club DJs were issued remixes of the track (by Jon Carter and Two Lone Swordsmen).