Renegade Riddims: Chief Dubz

Born in Washington D.C. and raised in Virginia, Matthew Lowery, better known as Chief Dubz, is a sub bass vinyl enthusiast and sound system aficionado now based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Matt has been honing his craft on the decks for nearly a decade, mixing a diverse array of genres including Hip Hop, Dub, Dubstep, Dub Techno, Halftime, Drum & Bass, and Jungle.

Influenced by early Hip Hop pioneers like Nas and Wu-Tang Clan, Dub legends such as Lee Scratch Perry and Jah Shaka, and Drum & Bass icons like Goldie, Calibre, Overlook, and Torn, Matt brings a deep understanding and appreciation for the roots and evolution of the music he spins. His live sets are a unique experience, featuring tracks you’ve likely never heard before, exclusive material, and rare small batch pressings.

If you get the chance to catch Chief Dubz live, expect to dive into a meditative journey of low-end frequencies and deep vibes. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the scene, his sets are sure to offer something special.

Come vibe out and get lost in the rhythms of Drum & Bass with Chief Dubz as he joins our Renegade Riddims series with a brand new deep, rolling mix! His mix features music from Forest Drive West, Quartz, Alibi, Shiken Hanzo, Type, Adred, Kasra and more!

Check out the mix below and download it for free here!

Q&A:

Sum up this mix in 10 words…

A selection of deep DnB and Jungle for your ears. 

What’s your personal favourite track on it?

I’m a huge fan of the deeper, more experimental side of DnB/Jungle. Some of my favorite labels are UVB-76, Samurai Music and Rupture. If I had to choose just one tune out of the mix, I’d pick Book of Soyga by Shiken Hanzo. 

What’s the special ingredient in this mix?

Being a DJ who only spins vinyl, I’d say the special ingredient to this mix (and most of my mixes) is letting tracks breathe. A lot of these tracks get better and better as they progress forward, and that’s something I think is important when selecting and putting together a mix. 

Tell us about your next EP…

When I first got really passionate about music I started off making beats on the Maschine by Native Instruments. That all changed when I was gifted my first record and turntable from my great friend Greg.  Since then, I’ve been obsessed with vinyl and the feeling I get in the mix when 2 tracks become one. All of my WIP’s are up on SoundCloud if anyone is interested in checking them out, but I sadly do not produce anymore. 

When was the last time you actually raved?

Last time I raved was the day before July 4th of this year… I saw Chris Inperspective from Inperspective Records on a Tuesday night in Raleigh NC at a little spot called Ruby Deluxe. DnB vibes were heavy all night. 

And finally, do you have a special message for our readers?

If you’re truly passionate about something, go out and do it! Don’t let the thoughts or words of others deter you. Do what makes you happy!

TRACKLIST:

Type – SK85

Eusebeia – Snakes & Ladders

Adred ft. Cory James – Chelae

Anile – Koi Attack

Torn – Grief

Karsa ft. Slay – City of Rain

Alibi – Dismissed

Holsten & Overlook – All Talk

Sully & Salo – Nights (Vocal Mix)

Forest Drive West – Terminus

Homemade Weapons & Red Army – Sleep Terror

Dj Draai – Zwaarden

Shiken Hanzo – 5th Dimension

The Untouchables – Electric Wizard

Shiken Hanzo – Book of Soyga

Last Life – The Worst Awakening 

Clarity ft. T Man – Hell’s Gate

Quartz – Black Decay

Overlook – Who Is This Who Is Coming

DB1 – B2