MC Serch is an American rapper, born Michael Berrin. In addition to being in the rap group 3rd Bass, MC Serch has been a solo artist and music executive. His career spans multiple facets of the music industry, including rapping, producing, and managing artists. As of 2024, MC Serch is estimated to be worth around $800,000, reflecting his contributions to hip-hop over the last decade.
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The Rise of 3rd Bass
MC Serch became known in the late 1980s as one of the lead members of 3rd Bass, a socially conscious hip-hop group committed to authenticity in rap. With bandmates Pete Nice and DJ Richie Rich, Serch helped 3rd Bass stand out when hip-hop was still in its infancy. They released two influential albums, The Cactus Album (1989) and Derelicts of Dialect (1991), which had hits like “Pop Goes The Weasel” and “The Gas Face.”
3rd Bass’ late 1980s and early 1990s success brought the group recognition and financial rewards. Sales of their albums, tours, and merchandise sales laid the foundation for Serch’s early net worth. The group disbanded in 1992 but their music continues to generate royalties, giving Serch ongoing passive income.
Transition to a Solo Career and Music Executive
MC Serch went solo after 3rd Bass disbanded and released his first album titled Return of the Product in 1992. The album was not as commercially successful as his work with 3rd Bass but established his solo career. However, through his work behind the scenes, Serch made a lasting impression on hip-hop.
MC Serch became a music executive and producer who helped shape several artists’ careers. Most notably, Serch helped early Nas become one of the greatest rappers of all time. Serch was an executive producer of Nas’s first album Illmatic (1994), considered a masterpiece in the genre. This seminal project bolstered his influence and brought him additional financial rewards.
Serch also founded Serchlite Music, a production and management company that helped him continue earning through artist development, production deals, and business ventures.
Television and Radio Ventures
MC Serch also worked in television and radio. In 2007, he appeared on VH1 reality show Ego Trip’s The (White) Rapper Show, which sought to find the next great white rapper. The show was not a long-term success but it made him more visible and brought in more revenue.
Serch also ran his own radio show, Serch In The AM, on Hot 97, New York’s most popular hip-hop radio station. His brief stint on the airwaves kept him relevant in hip-hop and allowed him to make new streams of income.
Personal Life and Current Projects
MC Serch has always been connected to hip-hop culture and history. He has had trouble sustaining long-term wealth though, as the music industry has evolved over time. Serch still appears on panels, at hip-hop events, and speaks about the genre’s origins.
Serch is also known to be a dedicated family man. He has been married for decades to Chantel Berrin, with whom he has three children. The focus on his private life has given him purpose outside of the entertainment industry.
