Now that they've crawled out of hiding, British hip-hoppers Stereo MC's have lined up nine North American shows to support their first album since 1992.

The group will surface in Toronto a few days before the June 12 release of Deep Down & Dirty for a show at the Opera House on June 8. From there they'll proceed to Montreal, Boston, New York City, Washington, D.C., Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco. They'll knock out some European dates starting next week.

Stereo MC's last toured stateside in 1993, when they were out promoting Connected. Though the album achieved worldwide success, the group essentially disappeared following the tour. Rapper Rob B and DJ/producer the Head formed a publishing company called Spirit Songs, which handles Jurassic 5, as well as a label called Response Records.

Deep Down & Dirty carries on the Stereo MC's' trademark blend of funky, knee-deep grooves, hard hip-hop beats, synth effects and samples. Longtime singer Cath Coffey remains on the mic (see "Stereo MC's Reconnecting With Deep Down & Dirty").

Stereo MC's tour dates, according to stereomcs.com:

  • 6/8 - Toronto, ON @ Opera House
  • 6/9 - Montreal, QC @ Club Soda
  • 6/10 - Boston, MA @ Axis
  • 6/12 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
  • 6/13 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
  • 6/15 - Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall
  • 6/16 - Chicago, IL @ Metro
  • 6/19 - West Hollywood, CA @ Whisky A Go Go
  • 6/20 - San Francisco, CA @ Slim's