DJ Hype

DJ Hype

DJ Hype is the stage name of Kevin Ford, a UK drum and bass and jungle DJ and producer from London. He first comes to prominence through the Shut Up and Dance sound system, where he moves from building speaker rigs to DJing. During the 1980s he plays reggae, house and hip hop, and later develops into a technically accomplished turntablist.

DJ and radio work

He wins the London heat of the 1989 DMC competition and goes on to represent Britain in the European championships. Alongside club performances, he moves into radio, appearing on the pirate station Fantasy FM before joining Kiss FM. His Sunday night shows on Kiss FM become widely followed, and he receives Best Male DJ and Best Radio DJ at the Hardcore Awards.

Studio work and recordings

Hype begins recording at Kickin', where he co-produces The Scientist's tracks Exorcist and The Bee. He later records for several labels, including Suburban Base, where he compiles the Drum and Bass Selection series and releases his own tracks Trooper and Shot In The Dark. He also reaches the charts with Isotonic on FFRR.

Ganja Records and related projects

In 1993 he founds Ganja Records. The label works closely with Pascal, another former Suburban Base artist, and releases tracks including Cops and Ganja Man. It also issues Zinc's Super Sharp Shooter and later the Still Smokin' album, a collaboration with Pascal's Frontline Records. Hype, Pascal and Zinc later form True Playaz after a deal as Ganja Crew with RCA/Parousia in 1997, though they choose to remain independent rather than renew that arrangement.

Style and significance

His work sits within the drum and bass and jungle scene, and he is closely associated with the development and wider reach of the music. He also performs internationally and remains active as both a DJ and producer.