Random Movement

Although DJ/producer Random Movement (born Mike Richards) is all about drum-and-bass, while the ultra-hip RJD2 specializes in instrumental hip-hop, they share some notable similarities: Originally hailing from Columbus, both practice a deft brand of sampling, working with a litany of venerable names in soul, jazz, dub, and funk.

Soulful vocals and funky drums pop up around every corner, accenting RM's DnB. Still, the bass line is always the star. Listen to tracks like "Sabina" and "Methods of Thought," and Richards will startle you with the way he gives these precisely sculpted digital bass tones buoyant warble that is deceptively organic and absolutely effervescent. Little wonder, then, that Richards' work is catching on quickly. Since 2005 he has issued roughly a dozen releases, a handful of which were dropped via high-profile labels like Bingo Beats and Innerground Records. Meanwhile, international tastemakers like DJ Marky, Redeyes, and L Double are featuring his cuts in their sets.