Emerging from the underground drum and bass scene to become stadium-filling titans of British electronic music, Chase & Status are the duo of Saul Milton (Chase) and Will Kennard (Status). Formed in 2003 after meeting at university in Manchester, the London-born pair built a formidable reputation for their high-energy productions and genre-defying collaborations, eventually ascending to win a BRIT Award and achieve a UK number one single. Their journey from club staples to mainstream chart dominance is a testament to their enduring influence and evolving sound.
The duo's early breakthrough came with the 2005 single "Duppy Man," a track that solidified their credentials within the drum and bass community. They founded their own independent label, MTA Records, which became a platform for their work and that of other artists. Their studio albums, beginning with 2009's "More Than Alot," showcased a versatile style that incorporated elements of dubstep, hip-hop, and rock. This eclectic approach led to high-profile collaborations, most notably with Plan B, on whose acclaimed album "The Defamation of Strickland Banks" they served as key producers. Their network of collaborators expanded to include major international artists such as Rihanna, CeeLo Green, Example, and Tinie Tempah.
A significant chapter in their live presentation included performances with MC Rage and drummer Andy Gangadeen, creating a explosive band dynamic for their shows. While Rage departed in 2021, the duo's momentum only increased. Beyond music, Will Kennard contributed to arts education by founding ELAM (East London Arts and Music) in 2014. The commercial and critical peak of their career arrived in the mid-2020s. In 2023-24, Chase & Status won their first BRIT Award for Producer of the Year. Their album "2 Ruff, Vol. 1" became their second consecutive top-four UK album and spawned four simultaneous UK Top 40 singles, a feat not achieved by a UK band in over a decade. The lead single, "Baddadan," featuring Bou, Irah, Flowdan, Trigga & Takura, stormed into the UK Top 5.
This chart dominance was eclipsed in 2024 when their collaboration with Stormzy, "Backbone," soared to number one on the UK Singles Chart, marking a crowning achievement in their decades-long career. Chase & Status continue to run MTA Records and remain a dominant force in electronic music, consistently bridging the gap between underground club culture and mainstream success.
