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The original Joe 90 Hipower Soundsystem (once known as 'Vigilante') started, and still exists, in Kilburn, London NW6. The original crew included Joe90, Sister Gichie, BarryB, Micheal Green, Trinity, CosmoP, Rudie King R.I.P. and Squigley R.I.P. Current members are Joe90, BarryB and Sparky General. The early days began in a speakeasy, in the early '80s, leading on to clashes with the Scientist sound (also from Kilburn) in which the Joe 90 sound comfortably overpowered their better known opponents. Following on from this success after various other successful clashes they finally met their match in the form of the legendary Brixton soundsytem called Saxon. The clash, although lost by Joe90 Hipower, earned the sound respect and recognition. It lead to the aquirement of a one-of-a-kind Barracuda pre-amp, made by master builder Barry R.I.P. Following on from this turning point the sound earned the notorious name of 'Vigilante' playing live on TrafficJam radio station in Stonebridge Estate, NW10. Unfortunately the notoriety and attitude the sound carried with it at the time led to countless incidents of violence at clashes and the result was an end of Joe90 being approached for clashes by other sounds. The sound then started playing out at various dances as well as holding their own dances among which they played with the legendary Java soundsystem (from Kensal Rise) at Kingfisher's in Neasden, a sign of the status they had reached. In the '90s, the sound played out at numerous shebeens in Kilburn and Ladbroke Grove and ended up returning to its traditional vibe of parties and christenings. Since the start of the new millenium, Joe90 Hipower Soundsystem is more powerful than it has ever been. It has made the ground tremble at various raves, christenings, weddings and house parties. The prospect of a clash now seems unlikely since either the reputation or the very size of the soundsytem tends to be intimidating...but as ever Joe90 is always ready for a challenge...
