Down Low

Down Low is a rap group formed in December 1995 in Kaiserslautern, Germany, a city known for its large American community. The founding duo consisted of American rapper Joe Thompson and German‑American singer Mike Dalien.

Their first single, Vision Of Life, was a major success: Top 20 in Germany and Top 10 in France, with entries also in Austria and Switzerland. This success helped the rise of European hip‑hop as a musical and cultural movement, inspiring other artists.

Not a one‑hit wonder, Down Low followed with several charting singles. Inspired by the O.J. Simpson case, the duo wrote and recorded Murder, which was also a hit. Their debut album, “VISIONS”, was released in November 1996 and entered the German album charts.

The group was also known for impressive live performances: audience interaction, Mike Dalien’s soulful voice and Joe Thompson’s punchy raps were their strengths. In 1997 they won NRJ radio’s “Best Performance” award, a first for a European hip‑hop/rap group.

In February 2003 Mike Dalien left to pursue a solo career; Joe Thompson invited La Mazz (Erick “Rick” Lamont Smith) from the collective Rappers Against Racism to become Down Low’s new voice. The first single with this lineup, Living In The Ghetto, was released in late October 2003.

In June 2010 Mike Dalien rejoined the group while Rick Lamont Smith quietly departed. Joe Thompson remains the only constant member since Down Low’s formation.