DJ Hype: Drum and Bass Biography, Releases and Upcoming Events

Kevin Ford, better known as DJ Hype, is a cornerstone of the drum and bass scene, celebrated for his razor-sharp scratching skills, crowd-pleasing jump-up sets, and pioneering contributions to the genre. Born in 1968 in London, Hype cut his teeth in music during the early ‘80s with the Heatwave sound system, later aligning himself with the influential Shut Up and Dance collective.

By the late ‘80s, Hype had already begun carving out his legacy in the studio, engineering iconic tracks like Exorcist and The Bee on labels such as Kickin' Records and Suburban Base. His pirate radio slots on Fantasy FM further cemented his reputation, with listeners tuning in weekly to hear his signature blend of breakbeats, scratch routines, and infectious energy.

In 1994, DJ Hype launched Ganja Records, a label that became synonymous with dancefloor anthems. Tracks like You Must Think First, Tiger Style, and DJ Zinc's Super Sharp Shooter became instant classics, while the 1996 compilation Still Smokin'—a collaboration with Pascal’s Frontline imprint—marked a defining moment for drum and bass. This success led to a major label partnership with BMG’s Parousia sub-label and the formation of True Playaz, a heavyweight collective alongside DJ Zinc, Pascal, and Rude Bwoy Monty.

Hype's residency at Fabric for the iconic Playaz nights became the stuff of legend, with his sets delivering relentless energy and unparalleled technical precision. Decades into his career, DJ Hype remains an influential figure both behind the decks and in the studio, continuing to shape the sound and culture of drum and bass with every performance.