Major Lazer (DJ collective)
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| Major Lazer (DJ collective) | |
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| Name | Major Lazer |
| Background | group_or_band |
| Origin | New York City, United States |
| Years active | 2008–present |
| Labels | Mad Decent, Because Music, Asylum Records, Downtown Records |
| Associated acts | Diplo, Switch (producer), Skrillex, Santigold, MØ (singer), Busy Signal |
Major Lazer (DJ collective) Major Lazer is an electronic dance music collective formed in New York City by Diplo and producer Switch (producer) that blends dancehall-derived rhythms with electronic dance music, reggae, hip hop, and afrobeat influences. The project has released multiple studio albums and singles featuring international artists such as Dizzee Rascal, Vybz Kartel, J Balvin, Trinidad James, and Jain (singer), and has performed at major festivals including Coachella, Glastonbury Festival, and Tomorrowland.
History
Major Lazer was founded in 2008 in New York City by Diplo and Switch (producer) following collaborations with artists like Santigold and M.I.A.. Early releases and remixes circulated through Mad Decent and attracted contributions from Vybz Kartel, Busy Signal, and Bounty Killer, leading to the debut album featuring appearances by Akon, Vybz Kartel, Busy Signal, and Santigold. After Switch departed, the lineup shifted toward Diplo working with producers such as Jillionaire and Walshy Fire, culminating in the commercially successful single with Lauren Hill-era influences and later tracks featuring Skrillex and Fuse ODG. Subsequent eras saw collaborations with international stars including Tarrus Riley, Sean Paul, Nicki Minaj, and Justin Bieber, and releases timed alongside tours in Europe, Latin America, and Australia.
Musical style and influences
The collective's sound fuses dancehall and reggae rhythms with electronic dance music, incorporating elements of dub, hip hop, and afrobeat drawn from artists like Bob Marley, Yellowman, and producers from the Jamaica scene. Production techniques echo the work of King Tubby, Lee "Scratch" Perry, and contemporary electronic producers such as Skrillex and Calvin Harris, while vocal features recall crossover pop collaborations seen with Rihanna and Beyoncé. Influences also include Caribbean and African popular music mediated through global networks involving labels and festivals such as Mad Decent Block Party, Red Bull Music Academy, and SXSW.
Band members and collaborators
Primary creators have included Diplo, Switch (producer), Jillionaire, and Walshy Fire; additional studio collaborators span a wide range of soloists and groups such as Skrillex, Santigold, MØ (singer), Vybz Kartel, Busy Signal, Dizzee Rascal, Trinidad James, Nicki Minaj, Justin Bieber, Trinidadian Carnival-linked artists, J Balvin, Becky G, and Shaggy. Production and touring personnel have involved engineers and DJs associated with Mad Decent, management linked to Williams World, and guest performances featuring members of Major Lazer's horn sections and session players connected to studios in Miami, Kingston, and London.
Discography
Studio albums include the debut which featured established Jamaican vocalists and international producers, the follow-up that yielded mainstream charting singles with collaborators like Santigold and Busy Signal, and later albums featuring global pop stars including MØ (singer), Trinidad James, and J Balvin. Notable singles and EPs appeared on Mad Decent and companion labels, earning placements on charts curated by Billboard, UK Singles Chart, and playlists compiled by streaming services associated with Spotify and Apple Music. Compilation appearances and remixes include reinterpretations of tracks by Rihanna, Adele, Beyoncé, and Coldplay by producer collaborators such as Skrillex and Calvin Harris.
Live performances and tours
Live activity has included headline sets at Coachella, Glastonbury Festival, Lollapalooza, and Tomorrowland, as well as international tours across North America, Europe, South America, and Australia. Their stage shows often combine DJ sets, MCing, and live vocalists drawn from Caribbean and global pop scenes, performing in venues ranging from Madison Square Garden-sized arenas to club residencies and festival main stages. The group's touring history intersects with festival organizers and promoters such as Live Nation, Aventus, and SFX Entertainment, and features collaborative surprise appearances by artists including Diplo's projects and associates like Skrillex and Santigold.
Awards and recognition
The collective has received nominations and awards from institutions including Grammy Awards-adjacent recognition for affiliated artists, chart honors from Billboard, and accolades in industry publications such as Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and NME. Singles and albums have achieved certifications in markets tracked by organizations like the British Phonographic Industry and the Recording Industry Association of America, while individual collaborators have won honors at ceremonies including the MTV Video Music Awards and BET Awards.
Category:Electronic music groups