Planet Mu's Bangs and Works compilations (2010–11) and Hyperdub broke footwork to an international audience

Footwork’s international breakthrough came through two UK labels. Planet Mu (Mike Paradinas / µ-Ziq) released ‘Bangs and Works Vol. 1’ (2010) and ‘Vol. 2’ (2011), the first internationally recognised footwork compilations, bringing Chicago producers to a worldwide audience; its Vol. 1 liner notes offered the first concise English-language description of the genre. Hyperdub (Steve Goodman / Kode9) released much of DJ Rashad’s material, including the landmark ‘Double Cup’ (2013). DJ Rashad died of a drug overdose in 2014 shortly after ‘Double Cup,’ straining the genre’s development in Chicago — where youth increasingly turned to drill — even as it kept growing abroad.

Examples

The Bangs and Works Vol. 1 liner notes defined footwork as ‘a hyper rhythmic, abstract dance music, pitched around 160bpm, that largely consists of a template of cut-up samples and phrases that are twisted into repetitive rhythms & shapes.‘

Assessment

Name the two UK labels most important to footwork’s international spread and their specific contributions. Explain how DJ Rashad’s death affected the genre’s trajectory.