King Yoof: Drum and Bass Biography, Releases and Upcoming Events

King Yoof, born Alex Orton-Green, is a prominent British DJ and producer renowned for his significant contributions to bass music, particularly within the realms of reggae, jungle, dub, and various bass-heavy genres. Hailing from Lewisham, south-east London, his early exposure to Jamaican music and sound system culture profoundly influenced his musical trajectory.

In the late 1990s, operating under the alias Yoof, he co-founded the breakbeat outfit Sonz of Mecha and launched Mechanoise Records in 1999, introducing his distinctive sound characterised by killer basslines and razor-sharp beats. This period marked his emergence as a key figure in the UK's breakbeat scene, where he collaborated with various artists and contributed to the evolution of bass music.

Transitioning to the moniker King Yoof, he continued to push musical boundaries by crossing genres and collaborating with notable artists such as the Ragga Twins, Uncle Dugs, and Mr Williamz. His discography includes acclaimed releases like Homage to the King (2016) and Sound Killa for Hire (2022), which showcase his ability to blend traditional reggae and dub influences with contemporary bass music. Tracks like Killing a Soundboy and Get High exemplify his innovative approach to production.

Beyond his studio work, King Yoof is celebrated for his dynamic live performances at major events like Glastonbury, Arcadia, and Boomtown. His DJ sets are known for their versatility, seamlessly transitioning between genres and tempos, and often feature exclusive dubplate specials that energise dance floors. His dedication to sound system culture and his refusal to be pigeonholed into a single category have solidified his reputation as a leading figure in the UK's bass music scene.