The Nextmen sound like the ultimate record collection come to life. It is rooted in the golden-era boom bap tradition but filtered through a distinctly British lens that embraces the sound system culture of dub and reggae. Their tracks are characterized by punchy, organic drum breaks and a sophisticated use of live instrumentation, particularly Dom's guitar and Brad's keys, which add a layer of musicality often missing from sample-only productions.
What truly sets them apart is their restless versatility. They are as comfortable crafting a gritty underground rap anthem as they are a sun-drenched reggae-pop crossover or a high-octane drum and bass remix. Their production is polished but retains a tactile, analog warmth that feels lived-in and authentic, avoiding the sterile sheen of contemporary pop-rap while maintaining enough clarity for massive festival sound systems.
Start with 'Amongst the Madness' for a masterclass in turn-of-the-millennium UK hip-hop. It captures the duo at their most focused, blending US and UK vocal talent over beats that feel both nostalgic and forward-thinking. It is the perfect entry point for anyone who loves the rhythmic complexity of Jurassic 5 but wants a bit more London grit in the mix.
The Nextmen is a UK production/songwriting/DJ duo consisting of Dom Search (a.k.a. Dominic Betmead) and Brad Baloo (a.k.a. Brad Ellis). They combine hip hop, drum & bass, dub, pop, soul, and other electronic and indie genres into their sounds, and have worked with artists from the UK and US.
Shares energetic, playful, confident (moods); boom bap, funk, abstract hip-hop (subgenres)
Shares sample based, analog warmth, layered dense (production style); energetic, playful, confident (moods)
Shares sample based, hand played, studio polished (production style); abstract hip-hop, boom bap, funk (subgenres)
Shares energetic, playful, confident (moods); analog warmth, hand played, studio polished (production style)
Shares boom bap, funk, abstract hip-hop (subgenres); sample based, analog warmth, layered dense (production style)
Shares energetic, playful, confident (moods); rap, harmonized, spoken word (vocal style)
Shares boom bap, abstract hip-hop, funk (subgenres); sample based, analog warmth, layered dense (production style)
Shares confident, energetic, playful (moods); sample based, analog warmth, studio polished (production style)
Shares turntables, hand played, funk, abstract hip-hop (signature)
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