Achieving widespread acclaim with their 1996 U.S. single ‘The Sound,’ X-Press 2 topped the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, solidifying their reputation in the electronic music landscape. Formed in 1993, the electronic dance music duo, comprised of DJ Diesel (Darren House) and DJ Rocky (Darren Rock), initially established a distinctive presence in the underground club scene. Their early releases on Junior Boys Own Records, including influential tracks like ‘Muzik Express’ and ‘London Xpress,’ quickly gained significant traction among DJs and clubgoers globally, setting the stage for their chart-topping success.
‘Lazy’ soared to number one on the U.S. dance chart and peaked at number two on the prestigious UK Singles Chart in 2002. This celebrated track earned the duo an Ivor Novello Award in 2003, following their recognition with a DJ Award for Best Tech House DJ in 2002. X-Press 2 continued to evolve their sound with the release of their 2006 album ‘Makeshift Feelgood,’ which showcased diverse collaborations with artists such as Tim DeLaughter and Kurt Wagner.
The duo demonstrated their music’s expansive crossover appeal in 2013 when their track ‘Kill 100 (Carl Craig re-mix)’ was notably utilized by Raf Simons for his debut Spring/Summer 2013 show for Dior, marking a significant cultural moment. Further cementing their discography, X-Press 2 released their album ‘MMXV’ in 2015, reinforcing their enduring presence and innovative approach within the electronic music landscape. Maintaining their status as influential tastemakers, X-Press 2 remains highly active in the electronic music landscape, consistently delivering their signature sound to audiences worldwide. The duo is currently signed to Skint Records, a BMG company, signaling their continued relevance and strategic positioning within the industry.
With a celebrated history of chart-topping singles and award-winning albums, X-Press 2 continues to be a formidable and innovative force in dance music.