4hero is the London duo of producers Dego (Denis McFarlane) and Marc Mac (Mark Clair), formed in Dollis Hill. Their early work appeared on Reinforced Records, which Marc Mac founded with Gus Lawrence in 1989. Tracks from that period included “Mr. Kirk’s Nightmare” and “Journey from the Light.” In 1993, 4hero collaborated with Goldie on the EP Internal Affairs, featuring vocals by Diane Charlemagne.
Known for breakbeat hardcore, jungle and drum and bass, 4hero later explored broken beat and nu jazz. The album Parallel Universe appeared on Reinforced Records in 1994, and the duo also remixed Nuyorican Soul’s “Black Gold of the Sun” in 1997. Their 1998 album Two Pages, released on Talkin’ Loud, brought wider recognition and was shortlisted for the Mercury Music Prize. Featuring vocals by Ursula Rucker, it includes the singles “Loveless,” “Star Chasers,” “We Who Are Not as Others” and “Escape That.”
Creating Patterns followed in 2001. The duo also helped develop Goldie’s Rufige Cru and Metalheadz projects.