Rusko

One of the biggest names in dubstep, Rusko (Christopher Mercer) was born in Leeds but moved to London in his young 20s in order to be more closely connected to the city's thriving underground music scene. He got his start releasing heavyweight bass anthems for underground labels like Dub Police and Sub Soldiers, refining a forceful, swaggering style of bassy wobble and percussive wallop. He and his collaborator Caspa are sometimes termed the creators of a style derisively called "bro-step," for its macho overtones -- an inference borne out in titles like "Get Your C*ck Out" and "Cockney Thug." By 2010, when Diplo's Mad Decent label released his debut album, O.M.G.!, Rusko had begun expanding his range beyond the confines of dubstep proper, turning out a freaky, futuristic brand of R&B. Tipped as a potential crossover star, Rusko has done production work for Britney Spears, T.I. and Rihanna.