Chase & Status

Chase & Status are an English drum and bass duo composed of Saul Milton (known professionally as Chase) and Will Kennard (known as Status), originating from London, England. The core members serve as producers, DJs, and vocalists, having merged their distinct production styles to transform the UK drum and bass scene from underground clubs to mainstream arenas. They operate under their independent record label, MTA Records, while also distributing through major labels including RAM Records, Mercury Records, Vertigo Records, and Roc Nation. In addition, Andy Gangadeen is the drummer when the band performs live, anchoring the full band setup that adds raw energy to their electronic sound. MC Rage formerly performed as MC with the group but left in July 2021 to focus on solo ventures. There are no official sub-units within Chase & Status; however, they frequently collaborate with various vocalists and MCs across their discography.

The duo have since released seven studio albums and collaborated with major artists such as Plan B, CeeLo Green, Rihanna, Example, Tinie Tempah, Stormzy, J Hus, Skepta, and Skrillex. In September 2026, they released a surprise single titled "Essa Ta Quente" with Skrillex, a collaboration they had been planning for years. In September 2026, they also released "Innocent Smile" featuring Skepta and Suggs of Madness. As of late 2026, Chase & Status are active and preparing for their 2027 world tour, maintaining their position as one of the most influential acts in the UK electronic music scene. William Kennard founded ELAM (East London Arts and Music) in 2014, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing creative arts education to young people in East London.[edit]

The story begins at Manchester Metropolitan University in 2003, where Saul Milton and Will Kennard crossed paths while studying. Before forming the duo, both were already deep in the local music scene. Kennard was producing tracks, and Milton was a devoted fan of the genre. They officially formed Chase & Status shortly after graduation, initially releasing tracks on the RAM Records imprint. Their debut album, No More Idols, arrived in 2007, marking their entry into the mainstream. The debut single from this era helped establish their reputation for blending heavy basslines with melodic hooks.

Early days involved navigating the underground club circuit, building a reputation for high-energy sets that bridged the gap between traditional drum and bass and emerging grime sounds. They brought MC Rage on board to handle vocals, creating a dynamic trio that dominated festivals across the UK. The group's trajectory shifted as they began collaborating with vocalists outside the bass scene, eventually leading to chart-topping hits. Their evolution from niche producers to arena fillers reflects a deliberate push to expand the audience for electronic dance music without sacrificing the genre's roots. In a September 2026 interview, the duo stated their ambition to create music that "sounds like 2040," indicating a forward-thinking approach to production. They were featured in BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge month in September 2026, sharing the spotlight with Jorja Smith and Sam Smith.[edit]

Chase & Status have evolved from early "nu skool breaks" and "drum and bass" to incorporate significant elements of grime, dubstep, hip-hop, and pop collaborations. Their production approach blends complex breakbeats with accessible melodies and heavy basslines. Early works like No More Idols focused heavily on the technical side of drum and bass, while later albums like Headlocked and Welcome Reality embraced pop structures and diverse genres. The 2023 release 2 Ruff, Vol. 1 marked a return to a grittier sound, showcasing their ability to adapt to changing trends while maintaining their signature style.

Lyrical themes often revolve around urban life, resilience, and celebration. Collaborations with artists like Rihanna, CeeLo Green, and Stormzy highlight their versatility in merging electronic beats with vocal-driven narratives. The live performances feature a full band setup, anchored by drummer Andy Gangadeen, adding raw energy to their electronic sound. This blend of digital precision and organic instrumentation defines their unique sonic identity. Their discography includes Brand New Machine (2011), which marked a shift toward a more polished, radio-friendly sound with hits like "Warrior" (featuring Example). More Than Alot (2016) further integrated hip-hop and dancehall elements, while Welcome Reality (2018) explored futuristic themes and diverse genres, including reggae and soul.[edit]

Chase & Status have played a pivotal role in bringing drum and bass and grime to the global mainstream. Their collaborations with artists like Rihanna, CeeLo Green, and Stormzy have bridged gaps between electronic, pop, and hip-hop audiences. Beyond music, Will Kennard founded ELAM (East London Arts and Music) in 2014, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing creative arts education to young people in East London. This initiative highlights their commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists. In September 2026, they were confirmed as headline acts for the opening of the new Apple Music Hall in London, alongside Elton John and Charli XCX, further cementing their status as leaders in the industry.

In 2023–24, Chase & Status won their first Brit Award for "Producer of the Year", marking a historic milestone as their first win at the ceremony. In 2025, Kennard was awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire for "services to music and to creative arts education". Their second consecutive top four album, 2 Ruff, Vol. 1, included four singles in the UK top 40 simultaneously, a feat not achieved by a UK band since 2010. The lead single, "Baddadan", reached the UK singles chart top four. In 2024, they achieved a UK number one single with "Backbone", a collaboration with Stormzy, becoming their first UK number-one single.[edit]

The official fandom is known as the "Massive". Specific details regarding a lightstick design or official fan colors are not explicitly detailed in the provided search results, though the group encourages fans to join the "Massive & Crew" for exclusive content and event pre-sales via their official website. Fans are known for their energetic presence at live shows and active engagement on social media platforms. The community often celebrates the duo's chart successes and collaborative projects, fostering a strong sense of connection between the artists and their supporters. As of recent data, they have over 1.1 million listeners on Last.fm and millions of followers across social platforms including Instagram, Twitter/X, YouTube, Facebook, and Spotify.

Chase & Status are renowned for their energetic live shows, often described as "arena-filling" events. They have toured extensively across Europe, North America, and Australia, serving as regular headliners at major festivals such as Reading and Leeds, Glastonbury, and Bumbershoot. In September 2026, the duo announced the "Generic Everything" World Tour for 2027. The tour will consist of 10 dates across the UK and Europe, with pre-sales opening immediately following the announcement. Their consistent sell-out arena tours indicate significant commercial success and a deeply engaged global fanbase.[edit]

In September 2026, they released a surprise single titled "Essa Ta Quente" with Skrillex, a collaboration they had been planning for years., In September 2026, they released "Innocent Smile" featuring Skepta and Suggs of Madness., In a September 2026 interview, the duo stated their ambition to create music that "sounds like 2040," indicating a forward-thinking approach to production., They were featured in BBC Radio 1's Live Lounge month in September 2026, sharing the spotlight with Jorja Smith and Sam Smith., Their 2024 single "Backbone," a collaboration with Stormzy, reached number one on the UK Singles Chart, becoming their first UK number-one single.[edit]