Greatest Dubstep Artists of All Time - Top 10

Compiling a list of the top dubstep artists of all time is not an easy task. It’s not just a “who’s who” of the last few years, or even a “Best of 2012” type list—it’s of all time. This means you have to dig way back into genre obscurity to make sure you’re not missing any crucial producers, simultaneously highlighting those wrecking shit today. This list divulges those producers who’ve innovated, created, and took risks towards establish something fresh; highlighting the founders of the genre, those who helped evolve it, and those currently making their mark. Enjoy!

10. Excision

Excision’s crucial contribution to dubstep consisted of providing three game-changing elements: heavy, heavy, and heavy. Alright, so we may have gotten a little carried away with the heavies, but the point we’re making is clear. This Canadian producer thrives on destroying dance floors with one million watts of bass behind him (another hyperbolic expression—but it’s not far off), and has influenced countless producers including dubstep superhuman Datsik.

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9. Caspa

London-based producer Caspa has been making an infectious dent on the world of dubstep for over seven years now, way back when George W. Bush was still in office and Lindsay Lohan’s nostrils were “Like a Virgin.” Countless remixes and vigorous original tracks have solidified his place in dubstep’s Hall of Fame, and unlike baseball, this one doesn’t frown upon performance enhancing drugs.

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8. Zeds Dead

The inexplicable rise by Zeds Dead (DC & Hooks) to ultimate supremacy seemed like it occurred over night, but in reality took at least a week. These bass-loving Canadians stole the hearts of mothers and fathers raised in the 70’s by pioneering the classic rock remix, transforming ubiquitous tunes from The Rolling Stones and The Moody Blues into absolute dubstep anthems. The duo’s thoroughly gritty sound continues to evolve overtime, pushing the boundaries of countless genres on each release.

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7. Seven Lions

If you’d asked a follower of Chinese astrology what 2012 was the year of, they would’ve said “the dragon.” If you’d asked a dubstep fanatic the same question, they would’ve undoubtedly answered with “lion”—seven of them actually. Jeff Montalvo, a.k.a. Seven Lions, took electronic music by storm in 2012, reinventing dubstep’s wheel by coalescing it with elements of trance, breakbeats, and progressive house. The Santa Barbara resident has only begun his unstoppable ascension, and we’re just enjoying the view.

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6. Skrillex

Skrillex invented dubstep, pioneered his own haircut, and was literally born in a pool of 808’s. While none of these are actually true (the last one we can’t 100% confirm), it’s pretty clear the influence Sonny Moore has bestowed on all realms of electronic music. From winning multiple Grammy’s, to building a wildly successful record label, it’s become completely evident that success really is the best revenge. 

5. Flux Pavilion

Long before Flux Pavilion was ever wearing steezy clothing, dying his hair bright blonde, or dabbling into that moombah mumbo jumbo, he was a rosy-cheeked homeboy who consistently unleashed dubbed out anthems.  Unforgettable gems like “Cracks” and “Gold Dust” lead the way for a new age of ethereal, melodic dubstep anthems, leading to many of today’s current trends. Long before everyone and their momma was dropping “Le7els,” everyone and their momma was dropping “Bass Cannon,” and that’s a fact.

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4. Rusko

If Rusko hadn’t packed his luggage and made haste to the West like Lewis and Clark, who knows if dubstep would have ever exploded in America like it did. The English producer may have gotten bitched out by Deadmau5 for lighting one up, thrown hissy fits at soundmen, and owned a gardening superstore (we made that last one up), but we still got love for his take on the wobble wobble.

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3. Bassnectar

One part human, one part subwoofer, and held together by endless supplies of the only drink officially approved by Greek gods, Bassnectar is the complete package. His “Bass Head” is covered by flowing locks on the exterior, but filled with jaw-dropping ideas essential to advancing dubstep’s progression for over a decade. It’s almost unfathomable to believe how many electrifying albums he’s released when considering his unstoppable work ethic, and Mr. Nectar shows no signs of letting up.

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2. Digital Mystikz

Long before dubstep was marred with overly complicated and filthy instrumentations, there was Digital Mystikz. The duo comprised of Mala and Coki are pillars of dubstep’s foundation, creating a simplistic sound that was by all means alleviating and entrancing, yet altogether empowering. The synthesis of dub and reggae with electronic music helped birth the genre we know and love, planting the seeds for a now giant Sequoia.

1. Skream & Benga

Skream & Benga are by all means innovators and game-changers, and undoubtedly appear on page one of the dubstep history books. These British electronic producers gave dubstep that spice and pizzazz it truly needed to draw a more diverse audience, leaving listener’s spellbound with their futuristic take on wobbly tunes. Whether producing together as two-thirds of Magnetic Man or embarking on solo missions, it goes without saying they qualify for legen…wait for it…dary status.