Introduced to underground music at an early age, Youngsta began DJing regularly on London pirate Freek FM at 13 playing a mix of bass-heavy 2-step garage. Naturally drawn to the more experimental sounds within the genre, Youngsta was offered the chance to make his name in 2001 with a residency at a new clubnight started by his sister Sarah and business partner Neil Joliffe. Stepping up alongside the likes of Hatcha, Benny Ill, Jay Da Flex and Zed Bias, Youngsta's reputation grew quickly thanks to dynamic sets and immaculate mixing. As the dark swing and nervous shuffle characterised by Horsepower, El-B and Oris Jay gave way to a heavier dubbed-out aesthetic within the dubstep scene, Youngsta was at the helm creating a cavernous and spacious mix with fresh sounds from the likes of Skream, Mala, Loefah and D1. His sets at FWD>> and the early DMZ nights showcased the sound of this new wave of producers and would place him firmly at the forefront as the scene's leading DJ, helping these breakthrough artists and their sound gain further exposure.
Youngsta was asked to present the Dubstep Allstars 2 CD for Tempa in 2005, following Hatcha's first instalment in the ground-breaking series. Built around exclusive dubplates created for only a handful of DJs, the compilation reflects Youngsta's skills both in crafting a mix as well as selecting a sound. It's no surprise he now represents Tempa as A&R and has helped bring attention to the likes of D1, Headhunter, SP:MC and Seven plus others on the label.
Although he's not yet known as a producer, Youngsta's had a strong influence on the progression of the sound known as dubstep so far. Having cut his teeth with a VIP remix of Loefah's "Twisup" in 2005, Youngsta has preferred to focus on DJing before rushing into production himself. More recently, he's linked with Seven and N-Type in the studio and is looking forward to working with the likes of Icicle and SP:MC in the near future.
In addition to working as dubstep buyer for legendary London record store, BM Soho (formerly Blackmarket Records), Youngsta also maintains a weekly radio show on Rinse FM. With his focus clearly on the music, he regularly features guest MCs including former host Task and more recently Toast and SP:MC. In 2008, Youngsta teamed up with station boss Geeneus to mix and compile the "I Love Dubstep" double CD, highlighting the instrumental role of Rinse FM in some of the scene's finest moments to date.
Youngsta has also represented at DMZ in London and appeared regularly at the biggest events, including the "Why Not?" dubstep festival, FWD>> vs. Rinse FM clashes and Exodus in Leeds. As well as frequent visits to Los Angeles and other US cities including San Francisco and New York, Youngsta has touched down in Canada, Japan and Israel and has been playing regularly across Europe since the age of 15. This summer sees Youngsta among the headliners at the Exodus international dubstep festival in Croatia as he continues to spread his wings and take his sound worldwide.
In 2009, Youngsta stepped back into the studio to collaborate with with Seven due on "Massai Mara" b/w "The Story" (by Seven & N-Type featuring Youngsta) for N-Type's Wheel & Deal label. He soon followed up with another joint 12", this time alongside Kryptic Minds, featuring "Cold Blooded" b/w "Surge"and has also been working with the likes of SP:MC and Icicle.
Look out for more releases from Youngsta in 2010 as he continues to represent the sounds of dubstep worldwide, with solo bookings as well as live sets alongside his host of choice, SP:MC.
