Kashif Adham (born Anthony Hilaire,[1] 1966 – 21 April 2024), better known by the stage name of MC Duke, was a British rapper from the East End of London.
[2] Originally a model and dancer, Duke began his music career at a DMC World Championships after show party, where the winner of the MC battle competition got on stage and boasted that he would beat any rapper who challenged him.
[3][4][5] Duke debuted with the track "Jus-Dis" on the compilation album Hard as Hell (Music of Life, 1987)[6] - an album which also included Overlord X's first track before he was later signed by Mango Records: in later years, Duke and X would develop a grudge that led to both producing music belittling each other.
[6] The single was popular amongst hip hop fans, and received airplay and often crops up on compilation albums.
Duke usually appeared at live events and in videos with his backing dancers Billy Boy and Seeker.