Warp 9

Warp 9, a science fiction themed electro-funk and hip hop trio, best known for their influential singles "Nunk," "Light Years Away," and "Beat Wave," ranks among the most iconic groups of the electro hip hop era. Described as the "perfect instance of hip hop's contemporary ramifications," Warp 9 was the brainchild of writer-producers Lotti Golden and Richard Scher. The duo wrote and recorded under the moniker Warp 9, a production project at the forefront of the electro movement. Warp 9 evolved from a studio concept into a band when Prism Records expressed interest in releasing Nunk as a single. Golden & Scher invited drummer Chuck Wansley and percussionist Boe Brown to perform the male vocals and rhymes. Later, a female vocalist was added to the group; Ada Dyre performed vocals and rhymes for Warp 9's second single, "Light Years Away." The group released two albums, It's a Beat Wave (1983), (Island Records), a street themed testament exploring the topics of science fiction, hip hop and mixing, and Fade In, Fade Out (Motown), (1986), a soul R&B oriented montage. Warp 9's image is best described on the cover of their 12" single "Light Years Away," with Milton (Boe) Brown (Warp 9's lead singer), Chuck Wansley and session singer Ada Dyer in their trademark sci-fi space suits.