Nicky Blackmarket

Nicky Blackmarket is recognized as a foundational figure in the drum and bass and jungle scenes, known for his global DJ performances and significant contributions to independent record retail. After acquiring Black Market Records in Soho in 1990 with partner David Piccioni, Nicky Blackmarket quickly established the retail location as a foundational hub for the burgeoning electronic music scene. Recognizing the shift towards breakbeat, he spearheaded a dedicated department within the store in 1992, which became central to the emerging drum and bass sound. His early influence extended to prominent pirate radio, including Star FM, Friends FM, and a regular show on Pulse FM in the mid-nineties.

During this period, he launched his production career with the ‘Spam EP’ and founded Gyroscope Records, releasing the ‘D’Bounce EP Vol 1’ in 1992 and ‘D’Bounce Vol 2’ in 1993. As the jungle scene exploded, Nicky Blackmarket solidified his status as a key figure, forming a legendary partnership with Stevie Hyper D, whose joint performances garnered significant acclaim and are frequently cited as influential. He expanded his entrepreneurial footprint by founding his second label, Kartoons, which notably released the track ‘Two Degrees’ and cemented his role in the genre’s development. His production output continued with collaborations such as ‘Part 2’ with Adam F & Slipmaster J released on Lucky Spin Recordings in 1994, and ‘Maniacs Vol 1’ with Formula 7 on Quayside Records, also in 1994.

2,’ cementing his enduring influence and continued contributions to the drum and bass genre.