The Nextmen are one of the UK's most respected and versatile DJ and production duos, renowned for their infectious blend of hip-hop, reggae, funk, soul, dancehall, drum and bass and bass-heavy electronic music. Made up of Brad Baloo (Brad Ellis) and Dom Search (Dominic Betmead), the pair have spent decades pushing musical boundaries, creating unforgettable dancefloor experiences and bringing together sounds from across the musical spectrum.
Originally from Cambridge, Brad and Dom first joined forces in the mid-1990s, developing a shared passion for hip-hop, sampling, production and digging for exciting new sounds. Their early work included a remix of London Posse's track 'Style', which helped establish their reputation as exciting new talents on the UK hip-hop scene. Their distinctive production style, combining heavyweight beats with inventive samples and musical influences from around the world, quickly attracted attention.
In 2000, they released their debut album, Amongst the Madness, showcasing their skills as producers and collaborators. This was followed by Get Over It in 2003, featuring contributions from respected artists including J-Live and reggae legend Cutty Ranks. Their reputation continued to grow, with further releases including This Was Supposed to Be the Future in 2007 and Join the Dots in 2009, demonstrating their ability to evolve while staying true to their musical roots.
Throughout their career, The Nextmen have collaborated with an impressive collection of international artists, including Public Enemy, The Pharcyde, Blackalicious, Morcheeba, Groove Armada, Fat Freddy's Drop, Alice Russell, Dynamite MC and Plan B. Their production talents have also extended into the wider music industry, contributing to recordings and songwriting projects for a diverse range of established and emerging artists.
Never ones to be restricted by a single genre, The Nextmen have built their reputation on musical exploration. Their DJ sets seamlessly move between hip-hop classics, reggae, funk, soul, dancehall, UK garage, drum and bass and unexpected musical gems. Their legendary two-man, four-turntable performances showcase their exceptional technical ability, deep musical knowledge and instinctive understanding of what makes a dancefloor tick.
Beyond their albums and collaborations, the duo have become firm festival favourites, performing at major events and venues around the world. Their energetic sets have taken them across the UK, Europe, Australia, Asia and North America, earning them a loyal following of music lovers who appreciate their eclectic selections and infectious enthusiasm. They have also developed a strong reputation through their acclaimed mixtapes, podcasts and the much-loved Friends & Family parties.
Their passion for reggae and soundsystem culture was further celebrated through their collaboration with Gentleman's Dub Club on the 2018 album Pound for Pound, featuring an exciting line-up of guest vocalists including Chali 2na, Kiko Bun, Gardna and Eva Lazarus.
Today, The Nextmen continue to bring their unmistakable musical identity to dancefloors, festivals and clubs. Whether delivering expertly crafted productions, exploring fresh musical collaborations or stepping behind the decks, Brad Baloo and Dom Search remain committed to celebrating great music without boundaries. Expect heavyweight beats, unexpected twists, timeless classics and plenty of feel-good energy. With The Nextmen, it's never just about playing records – it's about creating a party that brings everyone together.
