Widely recognized as one of the most respected white rappers,
MC Serch (born
Michael Berrin) made up one-third of
3rd Bass. After three full-lengths with
Pete Nice and DJ
Richie Rich -- two studio albums and a remix collection --
Serch went solo with 1992's
Return of the Product. Like the
3rd Bass releases, it came out on Def Jam. One of the singles from the album, an extension of
Main Source's "Back to the Grill," featured a return performance from
Nas and hit the top of the Billboard rap chart;
Serch also primed
Nas for stardom by tapping his "Halftime" for the
Zebrahead soundtrack and working with him on
Illmatic, both of which he executive produced. Once
Serch receded from the MC spotlight, he ran a promotions company and also became a radio host. In 2002, he took over WJLB Detroit's morning program -- he became the first nonblack DJ at the station since
Casey Kasem's run in the '50s.
–
Andy Kellman, Rovi