Drum & Bass evolved from early rave scene of the 1990’s in the UK, within this time it’s evolved from many different styles of other music such as Hip Hop, Funk, Jazz, Reggae and Dancehall to name a few. These permutations of Drum & Bass have been crafted by some amazing artists and DJs in the scene. In this article we look at 50 of the Best Drum & Bass artists in the scene.
The below isn’t a definitive list by any means, but it’s certainly a list of artists that I’ve personally found most influential in my DJ collection and admiration for their DJing skills.
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1. Andy C
Record Label: RAM Records
Best Track: Origin Unknown – Valley Of The Shadows
I first saw Andy C play at Accelerated Culture at The Sanctuary in Milton Keynes. I just remember thinking how tight his DJ mixes were and his tune selection being so on point. Andy C is the creator of RAM Records, a massive label in the scene supporting artists such as Sub Focus and Wilkinson.
Check out Andy C here in the mix, still going strong even in 2022.
2. DJ Hype
Record Label: Ganja Records
Best Track: DJ Hype & MC Fats – Peace Love & Unity (2003 Remix)
One of the first mix albums that I ever heard from DJ Hype was, Jungle Massive. Proper old school jungle vibes. Known for his Jump Up sets and scratching abilities, DJ Hype started off in the Jungle scene in the early 90’s.
Check out one of DJ Hype’s many DJ mixes, this one in particular ‘Dubplate Killas’.
3. LTJ Bukem
Record Label: Good Looking Records
Best Track: LTJ Bukem – Atlantis, also a great remix by DJ Marky & S.P.Y here.
LTJ Bukem is a British DJ and record producer, known for his contributions to the drum and bass genre. He founded the influential record label Good Looking Records, which released several classic tracks and albums throughout the 1990s. One of his most popular tracks is “Horizons,” which was released in 1995 and is considered a drum and bass classic. Bukem is also known for his smooth and atmospheric DJ sets, which often feature his signature blend of jazz and electronic music.
4. Goldie
Record Label: Metalheadz
Best Track: Inner City Life
Goldie is one of the most respected and admired names in drum and bass. He’s been a part of the music industry since the late ’80s, and his contributions to the genre have been undeniable. He’s also well known for his contributions to the visual arts, having made a name for himself as a graffiti artist before moving onto music.
Goldie is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of drum and bass music. He’s known for his unique blend of jungle, breakbeat, and ambient sounds, which he has showcased on numerous releases throughout his career.
5. Roni Size
Record Label: Full Cycle
Best Track: Brown Paper Bag
Another iconic figure in the drum and bass scene is Roni Size. He first gained attention in the mid-90s with his album “New Forms,” which won the Mercury Prize in 1997. Since then, he’s continued to push the boundaries of the genre, experimenting with different sounds and styles to create something truly unique.
6. Shy FX
Record Label: Digital Soundboy
Best Track: Shake Your Body
Shy FX is a DJ and producer who has been an essential part of the drum and bass scene for over 20 years. He’s known for his ability to blend elements of reggae and dancehall with drum and bass to create a unique sound that’s all his own. Shy FX is known for his high-energy sets and his ability to get crowds moving.
7. Noisia
Record Label: Vision Recordings
Best Track: Dead Limit
Noisia is a Dutch trio known for their hard-hitting and experimental approach to drum and bass. They’re known for their intricate sound design and their ability to create tracks that are both heavy and melodic. They’ve collaborated with a wide range of artists over the years, and their music has been featured in countless video games and movies. Their innovative sound has helped push the genre forward and inspire countless producers around the world.
Having recently split up as a trio, they still remain one of the most influential producers in electronic music to date, influencing the likes of Skrillex and many more.
8. Alix Perez
Record Label: 1985 Music
Best Track: Forsaken feat. Peven Everett & SpectraSoul
Alix Perez is a producer and DJ known for his deep, soulful approach to drum and bass. He’s released numerous albums and EPs over the years, showcasing his ability to blend elements of jazz, hip-hop, and soul into his music. He’s also collaborated with a wide range of artists, further expanding his reach and influence within the scene.
9. Calibre
Record Label: Signature
Best Track: Drop It Down
Calibre is a name that’s synonymous with liquid drum and bass. With his soulful melodies and rolling beats, he’s become one of the most respected producers in the scene. He’s released numerous albums and singles over the years, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase in the process.
10. High Contrast
Record Label: Hospital Records
Best Track: If We Ever
High Contrast is known for his upbeat, energetic approach to drum and bass. He’s released numerous albums and singles over the years, earning a reputation as one of the most versatile and innovative producers in the scene. His music has been featured in everything from TV commercials to video games, further expanding his reach and influence.
11. DJ Marky
Record Label: Innerground Records
Best Track: LK
DJ Marky is a Brazilian DJ and producer known for his eclectic approach to drum and bass. He’s released numerous albums and singles over the years, showcasing his ability to blend elements of funk, soul, and jazz into his music. He’s also a talented DJ, having performed at clubs and festivals around the world.
12. Chase & Status
Record Label: RAM Records / MTA Records.
Best Track: Blind Faith
Chase & Status are a British duo known for their high-energy approach to drum and bass. They’ve collaborated with a wide range of artists over the years, including Rihanna, Plan B, and CeeLo Green and more.
13. Pendulum
Record Label: Breakbeat Kaos
Best Track: Tarantula
Pendulum is a drum & bass group formed in Perth, Australia, in 2002. The band consists of three members, Rob Swire, Gareth McGrillen, and Paul Harding, and is known for its unique sound that combines elements of rock, metal, and electronic music.
14. Friction
Record Label: Shogun Audio
Best Track: Dare (Hold It Down)
Friction is a drum & bass DJ and producer from Brighton, UK. He has been active in the scene since the early 2000s and has released music on some of the genre’s most respected labels, including Hospital Records and Shogun Audio.
15. Netsky
Record Label: Netsky Music
Best Track: Memory Lane
Netsky is a Belgian drum and bass producer who has been captivating audiences with his unique blend of dancefloor bangers and emotive, melodic compositions since the late 2000s. Signed to Hospital Records, his music is known for its uplifting energy and infectious hooks, earning him a dedicated fanbase and multiple accolades in the drum and bass community. One of his most popular tracks is “Memory Lane”, a nostalgic and uplifting tune that perfectly encapsulates his signature sound.
16. Logistics
Record Label: Hospital Records
Best Track: Together
Logistics is the moniker of British drum and bass producer Matt Gresham. With a career spanning over a decade, Logistics has become known for his polished, high-energy productions that are as dancefloor-friendly as they are musically rich. Signed to Hospital Records, his music ranges from soulful liquid drum and bass to more aggressive, techy sounds. His track “Together” featuring Thomas Oliver is a classic example of his talent for crafting infectious melodies and dynamic arrangements.
17. Marcus Intalex
Record Label: Soul:r
Best Track: Temperance
Marcus Intalex was a legendary figure in the drum and bass scene. As a producer, DJ, and founder of the Soul:r label, he was known for his impeccable taste and dedication to the deeper, more soulful side of the genre. His music is characterised by its lush, atmospheric soundscapes and intricate percussion, with tracks like “Temperance” and “Redan” standing out as shining examples of his artistry.
18. DJ Zinc
Record Label: Bingo Beats
Best Track: Super Sharp Shooter
DJ Zinc is a veteran of the UK dance music scene, with a career spanning multiple decades and genres. Known primarily for his contributions to drum and bass and jungle, Zinc’s music is defined by its energy and forward-thinking production style. He has released music on a wide range of labels, including his own Bingo Bass, and is responsible for classic tunes like “Super Sharp Shooter” and “138 Trek”.
19. Bad Company UK
Record Label: RAM Records
Best Track: The Nine
Bad Company UK is a drum and bass supergroup made up of producers DJ Fresh, D-Bridge, Maldini, and Vegas. Formed in the late 90s, the group quickly gained a reputation for their hard-hitting, techy sound and became one of the most influential acts in the genre. Their track “The Nine” is a stone-cold classic that still gets rinsed on dancefloors around the world to this day.
20. Sub Focus
Record Label: RAM Records
Best Track: Time Warp
Sub Focus is the project of British producer Nick Douwma. With a career spanning over a decade, Sub Focus has become one of the most recognizable names in the drum and bass scene, thanks to his energetic, genre-blending productions and electrifying live shows. He has released music on labels like Ram Records and his own Sub Focus Recordings, and his track “Tidal Wave” featuring Alpines remains one of his most popular and enduring tunes.
21. DJ Fresh
Record Label: Breakbeat Kaos
Best Track: Gold Dust
DJ Fresh is a UK-based producer and DJ who has had a massive impact on the drum and bass scene over the course of his career. With a sound that combines elements of jungle, dubstep, and more, DJ Fresh’s music is known for its explosive energy and larger-than-life production style. He has released music on a variety of labels, including Breakbeat Kaos and his own Freshly Squeezed imprint, and is responsible for anthems like “Gold Dust” and “Louder”.
22. Danny Byrd
Record Label: Hospital Records
Best Track: Ill Behaviour
Danny Byrd is a British producer known for his high-energy, funk-infused take on drum and bass. Signed to Hospital Records, his music is defined by its catchy melodies and infectious grooves, with tracks like “Red Mist” and “Ill Behaviour” becoming dancefloor staples over the years. He is also an accomplished DJ and has played at some of the biggest drum and bass events around the world.
23. Ed Rush & Optical
Record Label: Virus Recordings
Best Track: Bacteria
EdRush and Optical are a drum and bass duo from the UK. The two artists met in the 1990s and have since produced numerous releases on various labels, including their own Virus Recordings. One of their best-known tracks is “Bacteria,” which was released in 1999 and is still a fan favourite today.
24. Doc Scott
Record Label: 31 Records
Best Track: Here Come The Drums
Doc Scott is a legendary drum and bass DJ and producer from the UK. He was one of the pioneers of the drum and bass genre, and his track “Here Come The Drums” is considered a classic. Doc Scott has released music on many different labels, including Metalheadz, Reinforced Records, and his own label, 31 Records.
25. Mampi Swift
Record Label: Charge Recordings / Blade Runner Records
Best Track: The One
Mampi Swift is a British drum and bass DJ and producer. He is best known for his track “The One,” which was released in 2002 and is still played in clubs and festivals around the world. Mampi Swift has released music on many different labels, including Charge Recordings and his own label, Blade Runner Records.
26. Total Science
Record Label: CIA Records
Best Track: Nosher
Total Science is a drum and bass duo from the UK. They have been active in the scene since the mid-1990s and have released music on many different labels, including Metalheadz and their own label, CIA Records. Their track “Nosher” is considered a classic and is still played by DJs today.
27. Commix
Record Label: Dispatch Recordings
Best Track: Be True
Commix brings a unique style of atmospheric drum and bass, and the track “Be True” is considered a classic. Commix has released music on many different labels, including Metalheadz and own label, Dispatch Recordings.
28. SpectraSoul
Record Label: Ish Chat Music
Best Track: Light In The Dark
SpectraSoul is a drum and bass duo from the UK. They are known for their melodic and soulful approach to drum and bass, and their track “Light In The Dark” is considered a classic. SpectraSoul has released music on many different labels, including Metalheadz and their own label, Ish Chat Music.
29. Ivy Lab
Record Label: 20/20 LDN
Best Track: Twenty Questions
Ivy Lab is a drum and bass trio from the UK. They are known for their experimental approach to drum and bass, combining elements of hip-hop, jazz, and electronic music. Their track “Twenty Questions” is a fan favorite and has been remixed by many different artists. Ivy Lab has released music on many different labels, including Critical Music and their own label, 20/20 LDN.
30. Fabio & Grooverider
Record Label: Creative Source / Creative Wax
Fabio & Grooverider are a legends in the game and amazing pioneers of the Drum and Bass scene in the UK. Originally spearheading the genre, they’ve helped to popularise Drum and Bass in the UK in the 1990s.
Fabio has released music on many different labels, including Creative Source and his own label, Creative Wax. Grooverider is a British drum and bass DJ and producer. He was one of the pioneers of the genre and helped to popularise it in the UK in the 1990s. His track “Rainbows Of Colour” is considered a classic.
31. DJ Storm
Record Label: Metalheadz
Best Track: The Shadow Knows
DJ Storm is a legendary Drum and Bass artist known for her soulful and atmospheric sets. She is one of the founders of the Metalheadz label and has released on many other top labels including Reinforced, 31 Records, and Rupture. Her best track is “The Shadow Knows” which was released on Metalheadz.
32. Bryan Gee
Record Label: Liquid V / V Recordings
Bryan Gee is a highly respected DJ and label owner in the Drum and Bass scene. He is the founder of V Recordings and has released on many other top labels including Hospital Records and Renegade Hardware.
33. Nicky Blackmarket
Nicky Blackmarket is a well-known DJ and producer in the Drum and Bass scene. He has released on many top labels including V Recordings and Ganja Records. His best track is “Champion DJ (Nicky Blackmarket Remix)”.
34. Randall
Record Label: Reinforced
Best Track: The R
Randall is a veteran DJ and producer in the Drum and Bass scene. He was a resident at legendary club night AWOL and has released on many top labels including Metalheadz, Reinforced, and his own imprint Mac 2 Recordings. His best track is “The R” which was released on Reinforced.
35. Kenny Ken
Kenny Ken is a highly influential DJ and producer in the Drum and Bass scene. He has released on many top labels including Hospital Records, Mix & Blen, and his own imprint Mix & Blen+. His best track is “Everyman (Benny L Remix)”.
36. Ray Keith
Ray Keith is a legendary DJ and producer in the Drum and Bass scene. He is the founder of Dread Recordings and has released on many other top labels including Metalheadz and V Recordings. His best track is “Terrorist” which was released on Dread Recordings.
37. Adam F
Record Label: Breakbeat Kaos
Best Track: Circles VIP 2000 Remix
Adam F is a well-known DJ and producer in the Drum and Bass scene. He has released on many top labels including Metalheadz and Breakbeat Kaos. His best track is “Metropolis” which was released on Metalheadz.
38. Benny L
Benny L is known for his dark and heavy sound. He has released on many top labels including Metalheadz and V Recordings. His best track is “Low Blow” which was released on Metalheadz.
39. Dillinja
Dillinja is a legendary Drum and Bass producer known for his hard-hitting and futuristic sound. He has released on many top labels including Valve Recordings and his own imprint, Liondub International. His best track is “Twist ‘Em Out” which was released on Breakbeat Kaos. Other favourites of mine include “All The Things”, “Feel My Pain”, “In The Grind” and “Forsaken Dreams”… on and “Bell Tune”.
40. Digital
Digital is a veteran producer in the Drum and Bass scene known for his dark and techy sound. He has released on many top labels including Metalheadz and his own imprint, Function Records. His best track is “Deadline” which was released on 31 Records.
41. Photek
Photek is a well-respected producer in the Drum and Bass scene known for his innovative and experimental sound. He has released on many top labels including Metalheadz and his own imprint, Photek Productions. His best track is “Ni-Ten-Ichi-Ryu” which was released on Science.
42. S.P.Y.
S.P.Y. is a highly respected DJ and producer in the Drum and Bass scene known for his diverse and melodic sound. He has released on many top labels including Hospital Records and his own imprint, Bloodshot Records. His best track is “By Your Side” which was released on Spearhead Records.
43. Serum
Serum is a highly influential DJ and producer in the Drum and Bass scene known for his classic and authentic sound. He has released on many top labels including V Recordings and his own imprint, Souped Up. His best track is “Lumberjack” which was released on Souped Up.
44. A.M.C
A.M.C is a drum and bass artist and DJ from the UK. He is the founder of the record label “Titan Records”. His best track is “Mind the Gap”, which was released in 2018 on the “Titan Records” label.
45. Kasra
Kasra is an Iranian-born, UK-based drum and bass DJ and producer. He is the founder of the record label “Critical Music”. His best track is “Focus on the Love”, which was released in 2016 on the “Critical Music” label.
46. Metrik
Metrik is a British drum and bass producer and DJ. He is known for his energetic and melodic style, incorporating elements of electro and rock music. Metrik has released several albums and EPs on various record labels, including Hospital Records and Viper Recordings. His best-known tracks include “Want My Love” featuring Elisabeth Troy, “Freefall VIP” and “Solar”. He has also remixed songs for artists such as Eric Prydz, Ellie Goulding, and Gorgon City. Metrik is regarded as one of the most innovative and exciting producers in the drum and bass scene.
47. Wilkinson
Wilkinson is a drum and bass artist and producer from the UK. He is signed to the record label “RAM Records”. His best track is “Afterglow”, which was released in 2013 on the “RAM Records” label and became a chart hit in the UK.
48. DJ Krust
DJ Krust, born in Bristol, England, is a drum and bass producer and DJ who was part of the influential Bristol collective Reprazent. He is known for his innovative and experimental approach to drum and bass music, fusing it with elements of jazz, funk, and soul. One of his most popular tracks is “Warhead,” released in 1997 on V Recordings, which is considered a classic in the drum and bass genre. Krust has also released music on other notable labels such as Full Cycle and Talkin’ Loud.
49. Camo & Krooked
Camo & Krooked are an Austrian Drum and Bass duo consisting of Reinhard “Camo” Rietsch and Markus “Krooked” Wagner. They formed their collaboration in 2007 and have since released numerous albums and EPs on various labels, including Hospital Records and RAM Records. Their style is known for its melodic and energetic sound, incorporating elements of dubstep, electro, and other genres. Their best track is often considered to be “All Night” featuring Pat Fulgoni, which was released on their 2011 album “Cross the Line” and received critical acclaim.
50. DJ Hazard
DJ Hazard is best known for his aggressive and energetic style of production, incorporating heavy basslines and hard-hitting beats. His tracks have been released on prominent record labels such as Playaz and RAM Records. One of his most popular tracks is “Mr Happy,” which features a catchy vocal sample and a driving bassline. The track was released on Playaz in 2007 and became an instant hit in the drum and bass scene.
