Shut Up And Dance

Shut Up And Dance

Shut Up And Dance is a British breakbeat group from Stoke Newington, England, active from 1988 and still performing and producing. The group consists of PJ and Smiley. It begins with hip hop and a soundsystem set up with DJ Hype, then moves into house and techno influences while increasing the tempo of its tracks. With links to Reinforced, the group is regarded as part of the development of UK hardcore.

Style and significance

Its sound covers breakbeat, breakbeat hardcore, jungle and rave, with later work also associated with nu skool breaks. The group is known for an independent approach and does not appear on a major label. PJ and Smiley continue to produce breakbeats with the Shut Up And Dance style, and they also perform together as a DJ and MC combination.

Notable tracks and label

Among the group’s early tracks are “Lamborghini”, “10 Pounds To Get In”, “Greenman” and “The Art Of Moving Butts”. “Raving I’m Raving” is also one of its best-known releases. The group also runs the label Shut Up And Dance, which is affected by problems with unauthorised samples before reappearing later.