On September 30, 1991, MC Duke released Return of the Dread. Duke started his career at a post-show night of the DMC World Championships, where the winner of the MC's fight competition took the stage and boasted that he could beat any rapper who would challenge him. Duke stepped onto the stage for the challenge and emerged victorious. The battle was assisted by Derek B, who acted as A&R for the Music of Life records. He quickly arranges a meeting between Duke and Simon Harris, the boss of the record company, where instead of bringing a demo, Duke rapped live in Harris' office and Harris agreed to sign him. Le 30 septembre 1991, MC Duke sortait Return of the Dread. Duke a commencé sa carrière lors d'une soirée d'après-spectacle des championnats du monde DMC, où le vainqueur de la compétition de combat des MC est monté sur scène et s'est vanté de pouvoir battre tout rappeur qui le mettrait au défi. Duke monta sur scène pour relever le défi et en sortit victorieux.