Magnetic Man

Magnetic Man were formed in 2007 by dubstep producer/DJs Artwork, Benga, and Skream. They first appeared on a pair of commercial mixes issued in 2007: Dubstep Allstars, Vol. 5, mixed by N-Type, and Rinse: 01, mixed by Geeneus. The following year, “Ligma VIP” appeared on Mary Anne Hobbs' Evangeline compilation. Their first official release was the 2009 12" “The Cyberman,” a remarkably stripped-down A-side. Shortly thereafter, the trio signed a major-label deal with Columbia, which released a self-titled album in 2010. It represented a convergence of dubstep and mainstream club music, with sleek surfaces constructed for the likes of John Legend, Ms. Dynamite, and Katy B, all of whom provided vocals. Much to the dismay of some dubstep purists, one of the singles, “I Need Air,” reached the U.K. Top Ten.