The 10 Best Benga Tracks

When people think about dubstep, some obvious names comes to mind: Skrillex, Rusko, Flux Pavilion, Skream, Bassnectar, 12th Planet. One name that gets slept on by the fairweather dubstep fan is Benga, and we're not sure why. He's been banging out beats just as long as Skream has, and many of their early releases were on the same imprints. Their partnership has grown from releasing tracks together to being two-thirds of Magnetic Man to hosting BBC Radio 1's Dubstep Show. As a solo artist, Benga has brought a number of vibes to the dubstep scene, from the dirty, 4x4 beats to vocal tracks that don't loose their "oomph," getting love from the DJs as well as the ravers.

While his album Chapter II isn't available in the U.S. (yet), it represents the next stage of his sound, incorporating everything he's been known for, but elevating each of those points to the next level. Sexy, smooth, rough, rugged, and bass heavy, Benga's music serves up many different flavors. He's been at it since 2002, and has rinsed many venues since. Here are Benga's 10 best tracks.

Label: Tempa

Year: 2010

Benga's dubstep is world-renowned, but he's never stuck to a normal format in the 140 zone. "Baltimore Clap" is a perfect example of him adhering to the sub-low bass requirements, but bringing in a totally off-the-wall rhythm, showcasing his love for the 4x4 clap. Truly unique, "Baltimore Clap" is a dirty, hypnotic dream.

Label: Digital Soundboy

Year: 2011

One of many tracks from Youngman and Benga, "I Warned Ya" dips from a more laidback, dub-like vibe to a nastier riddim entirely (or as Youngman says, "the beat is so horrible"). Proper screwface bass once it enters, "I Warned Ya" is one for the guys who keep their hands fixed in a gun shape, blasting virtual holes through literal speakers.

Label: Big Apple Records

Year: 2002

Big Apple is one of the most important imprints for the dubstep sound when it was emerging, and it made sense that their second release was also Benga's first. It plays more like a dirty grime instrumental, but it highlights what made everyone look towards dubstep as being the next sound.

Label: Tempa

Year: 2008

Benga's Diary of an Afro Warrior album was a true testament to his artistry, and while we've never counted to see how many basslines were actually contained in this track, "26 Basslines" drags you around by the collar, letting you know who's boss. Something about the way Benga crafts his tracks, satisfying the heads who need that sick bass with those who are winding waists. Multi-tasking.

Label: n/a

Year: 2011

"Midnight" is a tune that encompasses a lot of what DAD loves about Benga's sound; you've got that hard, almost rock-ish tinge to his bass, warped into a head-nodding melody sitting atop a perfect set of drums. It's almost shocking that he gave this one away for free. Nothing says "dubstep is here and we're kicking down your fucking door" than this stormer.

Label: Tempa

Year: 2007

Tunes like "Crunked Up" sum up Benga's skill for unforgettable tunes and massive basslines to a "T." We have a slick, simple melody being fattened up by Benga, who adds crispy drums and huge bass, building a deadly combination. And an undisputed champion sound when it hit the dancefloor.

Label: Columbia

Year: 2012

While we were waiting for Benga's next album last year, he went on a tear, redefining his sound for the new age, and "I Will Never Change" was a definitive statement. Benga's still Benga, but he's not sitting on the sidelines, churning out the same tunes on a constant loop. His evolution is huge, and this is an essential building block in seeing the future of the bass music scene.

Label: Rinse

Year: 2010

During the time we were waiting for Skream, Benga, and Artwork to drop their seminal Magnetic Man project, Benga was letting the world know that he was just as adept at crafting bass-heavy instrumentals to lace beautiful vocals with, and with bass music queen Katy B on the mic, this was a certified banger. Ask and DJ worth their weight, the crowd would shift when this one dropped, and most importantly, the ladies would be in heaven when this one, all memorable vocals and seductive bass, would drop.

Label: n/a

Year: 2011

This tune was a highlight of Hatcha's radio show; an instantly awesome, forever undeniable treat. The lead grabs a hold of you and dares you to do anything but give in, allowing Benga to put his footprints firmly on the dubstep scene that he's helped shape for the last decade.

Label: Tempa

Year: 2008

This was one of the biggest singles when it came out, and it still resonates today. Menace is written all over the bassline, and the melody that it plays with helped push this one into true anthem status. Any true dubstep head knows what time it is when "Night" drops.

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