#LivingPioneers

Skream & Benga lead dub’s charge

It’s rare in this day and age to see #livingpioneers of any particular genre of music. Many of the geniuses behind rock and roll, hip hop, funk, and even pop music have passed on for various reasons, leaving an influence that isn’t quick to be forgotten. But as the spooky sounds of dubstep keep converting more listeners, we see the start of music movement while watching two of their masters shape it. As dubstep grows, Skream & Benga, continue to produce, create, and evolve.

The stories may differ depending on who is telling them, but it’s generally accepted that dubstep started in Croydon-based Apple Records, where Skream and Benga, among other godfathers of the genre, produced purposely darker dance music. As local media outlets, targeted club nights, and UK youth looking for something different boosted dub’s exposure, the genre added in flavours of UK garage and hypnotic vocals to break through to a wider audience.

Skream and Benga, though, have not abandoned their roots. Skream is rumoured to have over 8,000 mostly unreleased recordings, they both still cut dubplates every week, and it’s clear to see the wobbly basslines live through in even their current productions.

They’ve also pioneered the first ever dubstep supergroup in Magnetic Man with long time friend Artwork to produce radio-friendly but bass-heavy (and in some cases, HEAVY) jams, an electrifying live show, and arguably the most interesting Radio 1 Essential Mix I’ve ever heard.

Check out the download pack, I’ve thrown in some old, some new from both Skream and Benga, as well as some of Magnetic Man’s finest work. From the single that started it all in Midnight Request Line, to the track that brought dubstep to North America in Skream’s In For The Kill Remix, to the pounding Karma Crazy, to powerful drum ‘n bass in I Love You So and Listenin…, this bundle has it all.

SKREAM ON BEATPORT | BENGA ON BEATPORT | MAGNETIC MAN ON BEATPORT

Midnight Request Line – Skream

In For The Kill (Skream’s Let’s Get Ravey Mix) – La Roux

Listenin’ To The Records On My Wall – Skream

Boat Party – Skream

I Love You So (Skream Remix) – Cassius

Crunked Up – Benga

Ho – Benga ft. Youngman

Karma Crazy – Magnetic Man

Perfect Stranger – Magnetic Man ft. Katy B