Nicky Blackmarket

Nicky Blackmarket is one of the true original pioneers of drum & bass, a DJ whose dedication and influence have helped shape the culture from its earliest days to the present. Known as one of the scene’s most loyal and tireless ambassadors, Nicky has spent decades carrying the sound around the world while remaining firmly rooted in its underground foundations.

His musical journey began early, shaped by his mother’s involvement in the jazz scene. From jazz, Nicky absorbed a love of improvisation, movement, and variety—qualities that would later define his DJ style. By the age of 14, in the early 1980s, he was already playing electro at youth clubs across London. Alongside long-time collaborator Clarky, he mixed all forms of dance music, honing his skills at house parties and on pirate radio. A formative period on Friends FM, run by Mad B, gave him a vital education in both music and crowd connection.

In 1990, Nicky joined Blackmarket Records, placing him at the center of a rapidly evolving underground. As house music began to fracture into breakbeat in 1992, he recognized the shift immediately. He created a dedicated space within the shop to support this emerging sound—what would soon be known as drum & bass. At a time before the internet, Blackmarket Records became a crucial hub for DJs, producers, and ravers, serving as a focal point for the entire community.

Throughout the mid-1990s, Nicky was instrumental in pushing hardcore and jungle forward. A regular show on Pulse FM and performances at venues like Roller Express solidified his reputation as a DJ who truly understood the energy of the scene. He also stepped into production, releasing his first record, the “Spam EP,” alongside remixes and further releases on his Gyroscope label, collaborating with artists such as Ray Keith. Despite his success in the studio, Nicky made his priorities clear: “first and foremost I am a DJ.”

As jungle exploded in popularity, Nicky formed a legendary partnership with the late Stevie Hyper D. Their sets became iconic, widely regarded as the gold standard of DJ-and-MC performance. Even decades later, recordings of those sessions continue to circulate, capturing a moment in time when energy, skill, and chemistry aligned perfectly on the dancefloor.

Never content to stand still, Nicky launched another label, Kartoonz, further reinforcing his central role in the scene. Releases such as the anthem “Two Degrees” underlined his instinct for timeless records and his commitment to supporting the culture at every level.

From youth clubs to global tours, record shops to raves, Nicky Blackmarket’s story is inseparable from the story of drum & bass itself. A DJ’s DJ, a scene builder, and a lifelong believer in the power of the music, he remains one of the genre’s most respected and enduring figures.

Essential Moments & Tracks:
🎧 Nicky Blackmarket & Stevie Hyper D – Live sets
🎧 Gyroscope – Spam EP
🎧 Kartoonz – Two Degrees
🎧 Pulse FM – Nicky Blackmarket shows
🎧 Blackmarket Records – early drum & bass era

Uncompromising selection, deep roots, and lifelong dedication — Nicky Blackmarket stands as a cornerstone of drum & bass culture.