Emerging from the murkier edges of UKG, MUCKANIKS is leaning into moodier textures and weighty low-end. Still early in his journey, there’s a clear sense of intent behind everything he’s putting out. With a sound that sits somewhere between underground authenticity and polished modern production, MUCKANIKS is part of the new wave UKG.
The lead single ‘Manipulator’ sees MUCKANIKS link up with breakout Irish producer CarminWatson, pulling in Sheffield hard house influences to sharpen his signature dark UKG edge. Topped with a moody MC performance from Youngiz, it’s a high-energy cut that feels built for sweaty dancefloors and is set to turn plenty of heads this summer.
Without further ado let’s head into the darkest guest chart.
Interplanetary Criminal – Races (Feat. Blanco)
This absolute weapon was the soundtrack to my 2024. It has so many elements that tick boxes for me, the eerie synths and soundscapes combined with a thick 808 bass and short, snappy drums. Of course Blanco absolutely floats over it with signature catchy bars!
Bakey – Everything
I could have honestly picked anything from Bakey but this is my current favourite of his. He’s a truly special producer and someone I am heavily inspired by when it comes to 2 step. This track in particular combines so many short stabby samples with an infectiously swung drum pattern. His basses are always incredibly on point and completely rip your chest out in a rave!
Shuffa – Touchdown Hype
Shuffa has a knack for making tunes that you end up hearing absolutely everywhere and theres reason for that. His attention to detail is second to none. To make something so catchy with minimal vocal samples is a serious talent and its mostly due to this absolutely disgusting bassline that almost falls down your body as you hear it. Nasty!
Nay Bar – Closer to God
This tune is just rotten mate. One of the grittiest basslines I’ve heard in a long time and has been a staple in sets for me since its release. Plus the concoction of various hip hop samples chucked in there just make this an absolute gem in eyes.
bullet tooth – Flava
bullet tooth has been one of my favourite producers for a very long time, hes an absolute monster. This tune in particular I love how it nods to both UKG and House. The darkness for me comes in the 90’s sounding bass line. It has a Cypress Hill feel to it that is super appealing to me.
Josi Devil – Restless Sleep
I don’t think it gets much darker than this. The pads feel like they’ve been pulled from the depths of hell. The drums are perfect and that sub… just eeeeeeeeuuuurgh. Sounds like something you’d play whilst watching a Mike Tyson highlight reel. Proper dingy basement banger.
Silva Bumpa – Rock It Just Like Dat
Is it possible to have a discussion about UKG and not mention this guy? Although not necessarily known for having a dark sound the drop on this tune is pure evil. I’ve been playing it for months and it always goes off. The call and response in the bass pattern is just gnarly.
Overmono – Bby
One of my favourite UKG tunes of the ‘modern era’. All you need to do is hear this in a rave and you understand, the sub is almost a war crime its that evil. The tune is the definition of simple and effective. Every element makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.
PUK – Survival of the Fittest (Edit)
What’s darker than a Mobb Deep sample? A Mobb Deep sample with a Reese Bass obviously. PUK has sent me some proper sick stuff over the last few months and this is probably my favourite. Again combining hip hop samples and UKG is this quickest way to my heart and this is done perfectly. Proper banger.
Interplanetary Criminal – Fón Póca (Feat. Travy)(MUCKANIKS Remix)
Shameless self plug here but it’s one I’m immensely proud of and it combines a lot of the ‘signature’ dark elements of my sound. When I first heard the original of this I knew exactly what I was going to do. That really rough brass stab you hear was actually the last element that was added and I think that takes the darkness meter up a few notches. I’m also told regularly that no matter what I make it ends up sounding dark and I’d consider this to be a great example of that!
