A pioneer of trip hop and electronic music, this artist is renowned for blending dark, atmospheric soundscapes with hip-hop beats, creating a unique sonic landscape.
DJ Muggs, born Lawrence Muggerud, is renowned for his multifaceted career as a DJ, audio engineer, and record producer, having made an indelible mark on the music industry with his distinctive sound and versatility. As a member of the iconic hip-hop group Cypress Hill, Muggs has been instrumental in shaping the group's signature sound, which has yielded numerous chart-topping hits and earned them three Grammy nominations.
Muggs was born on January 28, 1968, in the Queens borough of New York City to an Italian family, but was later adopted by a Norwegian family. He relocated to Bell Gardens, California, at the age of fourteen, where he began his journey in music. Muggs got his start DJing for the hip-hop group The 7A3, which released one album in 1988 before disbanding.
In 1988, Muggs linked up with B-Real and Sen Dog to form Cypress Hill, which would become a defining chapter in his career. As the group's producer, Muggs was instrumental in creating their unique sound, which blended hip-hop with rock and reggae elements. During his tenure with Cypress Hill, the group released seven studio albums, four of which reached platinum status and three gold. Some of their most notable hits include "Insane in the Brain," "I Ain't Goin' Out Like That," and "Throw Your Set in the Air."
In 1997, Muggs released an album under the moniker Soul Assassins, which featured a star-studded lineup of artists, including Dr. Dre, B-Real, La the Darkman, Mobb Deep, RZA, GZA, Goodie Mob, KRS-One, and Wyclef Jean. The album, Soul Assassins I, reached number 86 on the Billboard 200 and received widespread critical acclaim. In 2000, Muggs returned to the Soul Assassins with Soul Assassins II, which, although not as commercially successful, further solidified his reputation as a versatile producer.
Muggs has collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including Tricky, GZA, Sick Jacken, Planet Asia, Ill Bill, and Roc Marciano. He has also remixed tracks for notable artists such as Janet Jackson, U2, Kaliphz, Simply Red, and Depeche Mode. Additionally, Muggs has produced tracks for House of Pain, Funkdoobiest, Daddy Freddy, Pavlos Fyssas, and Die Antwoord, among others.
Throughout his career, Muggs has been driven by a passion for innovation and creativity. He has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in hip-hop, incorporating new sounds and styles into his productions. Muggs' commitment to artistic expression and his willingness to take risks have inspired a generation of producers and DJs.
Muggs' influence extends beyond the music industry. His work with Cypress Hill and Soul Assassins has contributed to the popularization of hip-hop and its fusion with other genres. His productions have also been featured in various films, television shows, and video games, further cementing his impact on popular culture.
DJ Muggs' legacy is that of a true innovator and pioneer in the music industry. His contributions to hip-hop and electronic music have been immense, and his influence can be heard in the work of countless producers and DJs. As a member of Cypress Hill and the leader of Soul Assassins, Muggs has left an indelible mark on the music world.
55 Years Old
A founding member of the hip-hop group Cypress Hill, known for his distinctive vocal style and hits like "Insane in the Brain" and "Roll It Up Again".
64 Years Old
Lead vocalist of the British band Madness, known for their energetic live performances and hits like "Our House" and "It Must Be Love".
47 Years Old
A renowned rapper, DJ, and producer who blends hip-hop with psychedelic rock, creating a unique sound that resonates with fans of underground music. Known for his eclectic style and collaborations with prominent artists.
