The group has been quietly mounting its comeback, recently playing a mini-tour in the U.K. and Ireland. The new album, Deep Down & Dirty, is set for release May 28 in Europe and June 12 in North America.

They’ll kick off the outing with a show in London June 4 before heading across the Atlantic for a June 8 gig in Toronto.

Stereo MC’s will perform nine club dates in North America, including Boston, New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

They’ve also scheduled several festival dates in Germany, Japan, and the U.K.

Formed in 1985, Stereo MC’s have the distinction of being the first British hip-hop group to chart in the U.S., with 1990’s “Elevate My Mind.”

Two years later, they recorded Connected using live instruments and without the benefit of samples. The disc spawned hits such as “Step It Up,” “Creation,” “Ground Level,” and the title track.

Deep Down & Dirty has been in the works – and subsequently delayed – for years. Stereo MC’s did periodically taunt its fans, though, with signs of activity.

Individual members attempted projects of their own, some with moderate success – including vocalist Cath Coffey, who debuted with a solo single, “Wild World,” in 1997. Last year, the group recorded three new tracks for the mix album DJ Kicks.

Stereo MC’s last toured North America in 1993. They spent the spring of that year opening for Jesus Jones and then headlined their own tour in the summer.