2 Bit Thugs are a Brighton-based duo who form in 2002, after meeting and deciding that club music should avoid being progressive, dull or pretentious. They begin as party DJs in Brighton, playing hip hop, funk and beats, and build a reputation through a weekly residency at the subterranean bar Ali Cats. Their guests there include JFB, Cut La Roc, Ashley Slater of Freakpower, Bushy, Kidda, Flevans and various local VJs.

Production and style

The pair move into production after establishing themselves as DJs. They work across many styles, but breakbeat becomes their most natural fit because of its broken rhythms and heavy bass. They are guided early on by NineLives The Cat and Vlad Sokolov, then later develop a stronger interest in house music after meeting The Bulgarian. Their sound is described as a mix of hip hop influences, bass-heavy rhythms and genre-crossing club production, with tracks ranging from Baltimore bangers and 2-step to low-slung hip hop.

Releases and recognition

2 Bit Thugs break into the emergent fidget and electro house scene in 2008 with a style that combines hard-edged beats, elastic basslines and hip hop elements. Their first two releases reach the DJ Download charts, and their free unofficial remix series, Re-Rub, also gains attention. That series draws support from both festival headline DJs and home listeners, helping spread their name beyond a single scene.

Collaborations and DJ work

The duo continue to work as DJs as well as producers, with a reputation for energetic sets built from quick mixing and heavy bass. Their release and remix work includes material with Atomic Hooligan, Stupid Fresh, DJ Deekline, The Bulgarian, Calvertron, B Rich, Rico Tubbs, The Death Set and Kelevra. They also work on a free net label project and a full artist album that brings together downtempo, grime, house, rock, drum and bass and other styles.

Output and range

Their catalogue grows across labels worldwide, and they avoid being tied to one genre or scene. Alongside club tracks and remixes, they present themselves as a duo focused on free music and broad stylistic range, moving between drum and bass, house, hip hop, garage, Baltimore and dubstep influences.