In the early '80s, as turntablism was being born in Oakland, California, he was performing live DJ sets and rap shows (reportedly the only teenager around at the time who owned two Technics 1200s), and in '82 he formed Timex Social Club with high school friend Marcus Thompson. He was behind "Rumors," a proto-NJS cut that hit No. 1 on the Billboard chart in '86, and he became an overnight sensation, touring with RUN DMC, the Beastie Boys, and LL Cool J. Sadly the group split after just one album, but their popularity among '80s modern soul fans has never faded. Now PPU has unearthed unreleased material recorded back in those days — CYBOTRON-esque retro electronics with an irresistibly raw, lo-fi feel. PPU really are total nerds. (Original Japanese text by AYAM)