The track that launched some of the pop worlds biggest hits

There are those hidden architects who shape the sounds we love but rarely get the recognition they deserve. One such duo is Tunde Babalola and Darren Lewis, collectively known as Future Cut.

Their remarkable musical journey has taken them from the underground drum n bass scene to curators of some of the pop world's biggest hits. As bandmember Lewis humbly puts it, "The general public don't know who we are, but they've definitely heard us."

The story of Future Cut begins in the vibrant drum 'n' bass community of Manchester, England during the mid-nineties. Babalola and Lewis, both promoters in the scene, had a fateful encounter that would change the course of their lives. After Lewis distributed flyers for one of Babalola's events, the latter proposed they collaborate on music together, not realising that Lewis would take him up on the offer. This casual arrangement quickly transformed into something more substantial. While drum n bass was their passion, they wanted to explore other musical genres and create something unique. Their journey from beatmakers to record producers was underway.

The early days were marked by dedication and hard work as they struggled to fund their studio sessions. DJing, programming, and remixing became their means of survival, backed by a diet of instant noodles and Cresta lemonade. Their persistence paid off when they crafted their first classic track, Whiplash, which bucked the techy trend of drum n bass at the time. Their philosophy was simple: "If everyone else is going left, we'll go right".

The initial success of the track propelled them into the touring life of superstar DJs, taking them on a whirlwind journey across the globe, from Iceland to Puerto Rico and beyond. They even found themselves caught up in a memorable FBI raid in New Orleans during one particularly wild adventure.

Back in Manchester, Future Cut aimed to create an album, which eventually led to the fortuitous discovery of the talented young vocalist, Jenna G. Together, they created another cult hit Midnight, which became a sensation despite their refusal to provide a radio edit, staying true to their artistic vision.

It was around this time that Future Cut's path intersected with a then-unsigned singer-songwriter named Lily Allen. They collaborated in a basement studio in Manchester, creating the track Smile and other hits. Lily Allen's debut album, Alright Still, featuring the duo's work, sold over 3 million copies and included chart-toppers Smile and LDN.

With a taste of success, Future Cut set its sights on making an impact on the American music industry. They landed high-profile production work for the likes of Rihanna, Nicole Scherzinger, Shakira, and Melanie Fiona, establishing themselves as industry powerhouses. In London, they founded their own recording studio, becoming the creative force behind hits for artists like Wretch 32, Professor Green, Devlin, and Dizzee Rascal. Their venture into pop music was also evident in their work with Olly Murs, delivering chart-topping hits and showcasing their adaptability.

In 2011, Future Cut launched their production company and embarked on a label deal with Warner Bros. Records. They expanded their horizons, working with artists like Paper Crows and helping develop the careers of emerging talents like Stooshe.

Future Cut's journey from the underground drum 'n' bass hit Whiplash to pop stardom is a testament to their relentless passion, versatility, and dedication to music. While the world may not know their faces, they've undoubtedly heard their unforgettable sounds. Future Cut is a testament to the unsung heroes behind some of the biggest hits in the music industry.

There are those hidden architects who shape the sounds we love but rarely get the recognition they deserve. One such duo is Tunde Babalola and Darren Lewis, collectively known as Future Cut.

Their remarkable musical journey has taken them from the underground drum n bass scene to curators of some of the pop world's biggest hits. As bandmember Lewis humbly puts it, "The general public don't know who we are, but they've definitely heard us."

The story of Future Cut begins in the vibrant drum 'n' bass community of Manchester, England during the mid-nineties. Babalola and Lewis, both promoters in the scene, had a fateful encounter that would change the course of their lives. After Lewis distributed flyers for one of Babalola's events, the latter proposed they collaborate on music together, not realising that Lewis would take him up on the offer. This casual arrangement quickly transformed into something more substantial. While drum n bass was their passion, they wanted to explore other musical genres and create something unique. Their journey from beatmakers to record producers was underway.

The early days were marked by dedication and hard work as they struggled to fund their studio sessions. DJing, programming, and remixing became their means of survival, backed by a diet of instant noodles and Cresta lemonade. Their persistence paid off when they crafted their first classic track, Whiplash, which bucked the techy trend of drum n bass at the time. Their philosophy was simple: "If everyone else is going left, we'll go right".

The initial success of the track propelled them into the touring life of superstar DJs, taking them on a whirlwind journey across the globe, from Iceland to Puerto Rico and beyond. They even found themselves caught up in a memorable FBI raid in New Orleans during one particularly wild adventure.

Back in Manchester, Future Cut aimed to create an album, which eventually led to the fortuitous discovery of the talented young vocalist, Jenna G. Together, they created another cult hit Midnight, which became a sensation despite their refusal to provide a radio edit, staying true to their artistic vision.

It was around this time that Future Cut's path intersected with a then-unsigned singer-songwriter named Lily Allen. They collaborated in a basement studio in Manchester, creating the track Smile and other hits. Lily Allen's debut album, Alright Still, featuring the duo's work, sold over 3 million copies and included chart-toppers Smile and LDN.

With a taste of success, Future Cut set its sights on making an impact on the American music industry. They landed high-profile production work for the likes of Rihanna, Nicole Scherzinger, Shakira, and Melanie Fiona, establishing themselves as industry powerhouses. In London, they founded their own recording studio, becoming the creative force behind hits for artists like Wretch 32, Professor Green, Devlin, and Dizzee Rascal. Their venture into pop music was also evident in their work with Olly Murs, delivering chart-topping hits and showcasing their adaptability.

In 2011, Future Cut launched their production company and embarked on a label deal with Warner Bros. Records. They expanded their horizons, working with artists like Paper Crows and helping develop the careers of emerging talents like Stooshe.

Future Cut's journey from the underground drum 'n' bass hit Whiplash to pop stardom is a testament to their relentless passion, versatility, and dedication to music. While the world may not know their faces, they've undoubtedly heard their unforgettable sounds. Future Cut is a testament to the unsung heroes behind some of the biggest hits in the music industry.