Runaways U.K.

Originally known as the Mo Wax-approved project RPM, who toured Europe with James Lavelle and DJ Shadow in the pre-U.N.K.L.E. early '90s, this Brighton-born project showcases the talents of deck-wreckers AJ Kwame and Joseph 2 Grand. Sculpting an unforgettable sound that drops melodic moves, diverse samples and sleek electronic experimentations over staid hip-hop-bred beats, these two DJs/producers/remixers/musical visionaries rival DJ Shadow's atmospheric breakbeat style with confidence and pride. On their 1995 debut Classic Tales and the 2000 follow-up Progress, they demonstrate a versatile sound that falls in line with the Mo Wax stylistic vision, moving from introspective downtempo to hip-shaking breakbeat, representing the proper, intelligent way to unite the hip-hop arena and the dance music sphere.