People Under The Stairs

People Under The Stairs, an American hip hop duo, consistently maintained a DIY work ethic throughout their career, handling all aspects of their music production. After the independent release of their debut 12-inch single, ‘The Next Step II,’ in 1998, selling approximately 500 copies, People Under The Stairs – comprising Christopher Portugal (Thes One) and Michael Turner (Double K) – solidified a hands-on, DIY ethic for their music production. This self-reliant approach, covering all aspects of production, MCing, and DJing, defined their career from their 1997 formation until their 2019 disbandment. Their debut album, ‘The Next Step,’ also released in 1998, was largely recorded by Thes One.

Celebrating their 10-year anniversary in 2008, the duo played a sold-out show at the El Rey Theatre. Returning to Om Records for ‘Carried Away’ in 2009, the album debuted at #5 on the iTunes hip hop charts and #23 on the Billboard Heatseeker Charts. In 2011, Thes One established the independent label Piecelock 70, releasing ‘Highlighter’ (2011). Their 2014 album, ’12 Step Program,’ achieved significant chart success, debuting at #56 on the iTunes charts, #7 on the iTunes rap charts, #11 on Billboard Heatseeker charts, and #33 on Billboard R&B/Rap Album charts.

People Under The Stairs released ‘The Gettin’ Off Stage’ three-part EP in 2015. The duo officially concluded their career with their twelfth and final album, ‘Sincerely, The P,’ released in 2019, coinciding with their disbandment after more than two decades. Their legacy and unique independent spirit continue to resonate within the hip hop community, following the passing of Michael Turner (Double K) in 2021.