• ‘Wrec’, Addict Clothing’s marketing/endorsement manager, is known for his drum and bass work around the world with London Elektricity, Hospital Records and Infared Recordings, while also cutting his Hip Hop teeth touring with Rodney P and DJ First Rate.
• ‘Tekneek’ has worked on the underground music scene in Southampton for his formative years, developing his flow, at open mic nights through his Dark Craftsmen runnings.
• ‘Intilone’ is one of the few people you can think of who has written for a Pop Idol (Gareth Gates) and not yet been lynched by his core following. Known for his song writing credits for the likes of Mark Hill (Artful Dodger), Aaron Soul (Def Soul) and Tony Brisco (of Beverly Knight production fame), a truer soul boy you might not find.

It wasn’t until Intilone came upon an instrumental track by the local crew The Dark Craftsmen (made up of MC Tekneek and producer Feature Cast) that a working relationship began around 2002. Intilone laid down a hook and the two rappers put down their verses… unplanned and totally unexpected. ‘Wrec the Teknology’ was written, and with it a new crew and a new sound was borne. ‘Wrec the Teknology’, somehow found it’s way on CD to Radio 1xtra’s studio’s, and quickly became one of the stations soundtracks to the summer, getting put on the A list. The track even got mid day rotation on BBC Radio 1 on new Years Day 2003 – not bad for tune that wasn’t even finished or mixed down properly!

The group have since been steadily recording their debut album, and along the way used their contacts to gain endorsement from Addict Clothing. They have been busy treading the promo path and have appeared on BBC 2's Liquid News, BBC Choice, 1Xtra and performed with their live ten-piece band at the Bristol Academy. The group now are set to release a series of limited edition white label singles featuring the illustrations of Will Barras of the legendary Scrawl Collective.

The Pickpockets sound is pretty unique and different to much of what you are likely to hear from both sides of the pond. Indeed it’s hard to just pigeonhole this group as just straight up Hip Hop. Drawing elements from jazz, old soul, dancehall, world music, Hip Hop and drum and bass… The Pickpockets dynamic, eclectic and diverse range of influences has them tipped by insiders to become one of the freshest acts to emerge from Britain's underground for years. That may be a bit much, but with the full-sounding, clear and innovative production and word play, coupled with clever and witty extracts of social commentary and catching hooks, they’ve been likened to the usual gamut of acts including unsurprisingly current favourites the Black Eyed Peas and classic artists like De La Soul and Massive Attack to name a few.

This currently unsigned act have already exceeded much of their own expectation and are currently earning themselves a solid reputation for being one of the most exciting and creative live acts around. Having previously supported Ice T on his 2003 summer tour of the UK, the PP’s rocked everywhere from the Edinburgh Festival to Bristol Academy. Since then they became the first un-signed act to fill London’s infamous Cargo live venue (on a Tuesday night we might add!). In addition to this the group have also recently supported the chart topping Black Eyed Peas on their UK tour, finishing with a superb sell-out show at London’s mighty Shepherds Bush Empire. They’ve also opened for The Beatnuts and are due to tour the UK during February and March 2004.

When they perform live the 3 members are also joined by a DJ (Defikew), a ragga vocalist (Mr. Chan), an awesome beatboxer (Koobs) and a genuine vocal talent (Aaron Soul). Their live show is an explosive 35-minute set, full of humour, energy and genuine skills. This group properly cut it live, with smooth vocal delivery, beat boxing skills, plenty of crowd interaction and a strong stage presence. Several industry insiders have described them, as one of the tightest hip-hop based live acts in the country.

The Pickpockets as well as receiving the A-List play list rotation on BBC 1Xtra and mid-day rotation on BBC Radio 1 mentioned before they have also been tipped to be one of ‘the’ acts to watch out for in 2004 by the NME magazine. Endorsed by Addict Clothing and supported by Nike, the group have also appeared on BBC 2 ‘Liquid News’ show and are currently the subjects of a ‘fly on the wall’ documentary, being shot by Dog Day Productions.

Be Aware there are Pickpockets operating in this area!

Breaking news!
THE PICKPOCKETS present
THE WEATHER THE STORM EP
Out February 2004
Ltd Edition 500 copies only