The Best Drum and Bass Artists
This drum and bass artists list ranks the best drum and bass DJs ever by votes. This list of good drum and bass artists and groups let’s you see who DnB fans think are the best of the bunch. Drum & bass emerged in England during the 1990s as part of the rave music movement. It's a genre of English electronic music also known as jungle that's characterized by breakbeats with heavy basslines and sub-bass. Just like big beat and hard house, drum and bass was one of the most popular genres of English dance music. In turn, drum and bass artists were some of the most popular DJs in England. The best drum and bass DJs are some of the biggest names in electronic dance music due to their sound - that fuses elements of Jamaican dub, reggae, along with jungle music. While it's known by many names (Drum n Bass, DnB, D'n'B, and D&B for starters), the best drum and bass artists have seen multiple subgenres emerge due to the cutting edge nature of the music and remains one of the biggest forms of dance music.
So, who are the best drum and bass artists? Any list of DnB DJs has to include the likes of DJ Hidden, Andy C, DJ Hype, Goldie, Jack Smooth, DJ Hazard and LTJ Bukem. These are names that are closely associated with drum and bass music and with good reason. They're pioneers within the DnB genre and have been someone of the most important artists in carrying drum and bass to a new generation of fans.
That said, it's up to you to determine who are the best drum and bass artists. if you notice that a drum and bass DJ is missing from this list, feel free to add them. This list answers the questions "who are the best drum and bass DJs of all time?" and "who is the greatest drum and bass musician ever?" If you know enough about the genre, please vote based on the quality of the band's music instead of just voting for the most popular drum and bass DJs that you might've heard of.
Undoubtedly a titan in the drum and bass scene, Andy C's influence stretches far beyond just his own productions. As co-founder of RAM Records, he's nurtured and launched the careers of countless other artists, solidifying his status as a true industry legend. Known for his energetic live performances, unmatched track selection, and signature double drop mixing style, Andy C has consistently dominated dancefloors worldwide for three decades now, showing no signs of slowing down.
With an uncanny ability to create infectious melodies paired with heavy-hitting drums, Sub Focus has long been a staple in the world of drum and bass. Tracks such as "X-Ray" and "Tidal Wave" demonstrate his knack for blending anthemic vocals with top-notch production, making him a favorite among fans and fellow producers alike. His live shows incorporate visuals and lighting to create an immersive experience that's simply unparalleled in drum and bass, setting the bar high for electronic music performances.
The dynamic duo of Saul Milton and Will Kennard, known collectively as Chase & Status, have been consistently pushing boundaries in drum and bass since bursting onto the scene in the early 2000s. Seamlessly fusing their love for reggae and dub influences with drum and bass sensibilities, tracks like "Blind Faith" and "No Problem" have garnered widespread acclaim from both fans and critics. Their innovative approach to production and penchant for collaborating with various genres has cemented their legacy as mainstays in the pantheon of great drum and bass artists.
The Dutch trio of Nik Roos, Thijs de Vlieger, and Martijn van Sonderen, collectively known as Noisia, have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the world of drum and bass. Known for their unrelenting pursuit of perfection and highly technical sound design, they've captivated audiences with mind-bending tracks like "Split The Atom" and "Could This Be." Noisia's influence stretches beyond drum and bass, with their expertise sought after by major artists in various electronic music genres, making them much more than just purveyors of breakneck beats.
Wales-born producer High Contrast, aka Lincoln Barrett, has been adding his signature melodic touch to drum and bass since the turn of the millennium. Renowned for his combination of lush, emotive soundscapes and fast-paced beats, tracks like "Racing Green" and "If We Ever" have become iconic within the genre. From film scores to remixes for major pop acts, there's no doubt that High Contrast's dexterous musical palette transcends drum and bass, making his impact widely felt.
A true veteran of the jungle and drum and bass scene, Shy FX, born Andre Williams, has been a constant source of inspiration and innovation for more than 25 years. With a legendary discography that includes anthems like "Original Nuttah" and "Shake Ur Body," Shy FX has consistently demonstrated his ability to craft timeless tracks that resonate with fans across generations. While his roots are in drum and bass, his recent works showcase a broader exploration of genres, further solidifying his status as a musical pioneer.
