Marcus Nasty

Born in East London, Marcus Nasty began his career in the underground music scene in the late 1990s. He co-founded Nasty Crew in 1999 alongside MCs Sharky Major and Stormin. Initially a UK garage crew, Nasty Crew achieved regional prominence in London through their pirate radio shows, notably on Flava FM and later Deja Vu FM. These shows were widely bootlegged, contributing to the crew’s growing popularity and extending their reach beyond London. Nasty Crew is credited as a pioneering collective in the grime music genre, transitioning their sound from garage during the early 2000s with contributions from members like Jammer. Marcus Nasty’s early contributions were pivotal in establishing the sound and presence of one of grime’s most influential groups, fostering the careers of artists who would later achieve significant chart success.

Following a period of evolving membership within Nasty Crew, Marcus Nasty continued to champion British underground music. After Nasty Crew’s active period concluded around 2006, he secured a long-standing residency on Rinse FM. Through this platform, he became known as an early advocate and influencer of the UK funky genre. His work involved promoting new sounds and artists, solidifying his role in the development of electronic music in the UK. Notable former members of Nasty Crew, whom Marcus Nasty collaborated with, include Kano, Ghetts, and D Double E, all of whom later achieved individual commercial and critical success. His influence extended to nurturing talent within the scene, with many artists acknowledging his foundational support.