WITTYBOY: LS7 TO THE WORLD

Born in Chapeltown, Leeds, Wittyboy’s journey into music was deeply influenced by Jamaican sound system culture, Hip-Hop, Jungle, and Speed Garage from a young age. His fascination with the Wu-Tang Clan’s raw lyrics and beats marked the onset of a lifelong passion for music. Wittyboy’s exploration of Speed Garage, introduced through Sun City tape packs, evolved as the genre transitioned into 2-Step, turning him into an avid genre enthusiast. This exploration deepened with DJ EZ’s Pure Garage CDs, introducing him to producers like DJ Narrows, Sticky and Wookie, inspiring his own musical pursuits.

At 15, Wittyboy invested in turntables and started collecting vinyl from Big Apple Records and Uptown Records, quickly mastering the art of mixing. His foray into production began with software like Dance Ejay and Fruity Loops, where he fell in love with creating beats. The emergence of MCs in UK Garage and the transition towards Grime saw Wittyboy embracing MCing, refining his skills through pirate radio and eventually joining the LS7 battlers crew. Their involvement in the local music scene, including a pirate radio show on Fresh FM, led to significant exposure, opening up opportunities to perform alongside established acts.

The introduction to Bassline at Sheffield’s Niche nightclub, through fellow crew member Nastee Boi, marked a new chapter in Wittyboy’s career. Despite initial reservations, the duo’s Grime background influenced their darker approach to Bassline. “Seduction,” Wittyboy’s debut in the genre, garnered support from DJ Q on BBC 1Xtra, establishing his presence in the Bassline scene.

Meeting with Paleface of Northern Line Records led to the release of “The Wittyboy EP,” featuring the hit single “Iron Man,” celebrated in DJ EZ’s “Pure Garage <<Rewind<< back to the oldskool” compilation. This milestone underscored Wittyboy’s impact and full-circle moment in music.

Today, Wittyboy is a staple on the UK Bassline circuit, performing nationwide and remixing tracks for notable artists. His contributions to Bassline music, blending diverse influences into a distinct sound, continue to resonate within the genre, cementing his legacy in the UK’s musical landscape.