3rd Bass is an American hip hop group that was primarily active during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The group was formed by MC Serch (Michael Berrin), Prime Minister Pete Nice (Peter J. Nash), and DJ Richie Rich (Richard Lawson). They were among the first interracial hip hop groups to achieve mainstream success. The group released two studio albums during its initial run, both of which were certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Before forming 3rd Bass, the members had distinct individual backgrounds: Richie Rich was a local DJ, Pete Nice was an English major at Columbia University and a radio show host on WKCR-FM, and MC Serch performed at clubs and released an independent single titled "Hey Boy" backed with "Beware of the Death." Initially performing under the name "3 the Hard Way," the trio later adopted the name 3rd Bass before beginning work on their debut album. Their debut album, "The Cactus Album," was released in 1989 and featured production by Sam Sever, Prince Paul, and the Bomb Squad. The album included the track "The Gas Face," which received attention on MTV and featured cameos by MF Doom (then known as Zev Love X), DJ Subroc, Gilbert Gottfried, Flavor Flav, Salt-N-Pepa, Kid 'N Play, and EPMD. The single reached number 5 on Billboard’s Top Rap Singles chart. The group’s lyrics and videos at the time included references and criticisms directed at fellow artists such as MC Hammer and the Beastie Boys, the latter of whom had recently left Def Jam Recordings, the same label that signed 3rd Bass. Their second album, "Derelicts of Dialect," was released in 1991 and included the single "Pop Goes the Weasel," a commercially successful track that reached number 1 on Billboard’s Top Rap Singles and number 29 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song criticized rapper Vanilla Ice for perceived commercialism and lack of authenticity. The video featured musician Henry Rollins portraying Vanilla Ice and concluded with a staged altercation. The album also reached gold status. In 1992, 3rd Bass contributed the title track to the soundtrack of the film "Gladiator" before disbanding. Around this time, the Beastie Boys appeared to reference MC Serch in their song "Professor Booty" from the album "Check Your Head." Following the group’s breakup, the members pursued solo careers. MC Serch released a solo album titled "Return of the Product," which featured Nas (credited as "Nasty Nas") on the track "Back to the Grill Again." He also co-wrote and produced tracks for rapper Boss’s album "Born Gangstaz." Pete Nice and DJ Richie Rich released an album under the name Prime Minister Pete Nice & Daddy Rich titled "Dust to Dust" in 1993. The album included the single "Rat Bastard," followed by "Kick the Bobo." Neither achieved major commercial success. Pete Nice later retired from music and opened a baseball memorabilia store in Cooperstown, New York. He authored the book "Baseball Legends of Brooklyn's Green-Wood Cemetery" in 2003 and worked on projects related to baseball history and memorabilia, including co-founding McGreevy’s 3rd Base Saloon in Boston in 2008. MC Serch became involved in television, hosting VH1’s "Ego Trip’s The White Rapper Show," and worked as a music executive, founding the label and publishing company Serchlite. He was also involved in producing the soundtrack for the film "Zebrahead." Serch later signed the group Non Phixion through his label. 3rd Bass reunited intermittently for performances, including a 1998 show at a birthday party for Andy Hilfiger, a set at Woodstock 1999, and a non-charting single titled "Hail to the Chief." Plans for a new album called "Ichabod’s Cranium" were announced but never materialized. In 2013, the group briefly reunited to mark the 25th anniversary of "The Cactus Album," performing in Brooklyn and at a festival in Indianapolis. On November 8, 2024, 3rd Bass performed at WBLS' 50th anniversary concert, marking their first performance together in 11 years. A North American tour was announced for 2025.
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