Sticky (DJ)

Sticky (DJ)
Name	Sticky
Background	non_vocal_instrumentalist
Birth name	Richard Forbes
Birth date	1979
Origin	London, England
Genres	Garage, UK garage, 2-step, grime, drum and bass
Occupation	DJ, record producer, remixer
Years active	1990s–present
Labels	Slip 'n' Slide, Forward Records, Boy Better Know
Associated acts	Zed Bias, Jay-Z, Craig David, Dizzee Rascal, Omar

Sticky (DJ) is a British DJ and record producer from London, known for his work in UK garage, 2-step, and grime scenes. He achieved mainstream recognition in the early 2000s through charting singles, influential remixes, and production for prominent artists across pop, R&B, and urban genres. Sticky's career spans club residencies, festival appearances, and collaborations with key figures in British electronic music and global hip hop.

Early life and career beginnings

Born in London in 1979, Sticky grew up amid the evolving club scenes of East London, South London, and North London, absorbing sounds from garage venues like Ministry of Sound, Fabric, and Cargo, and pirate radio stations such as Rinse FM, Kiss 100, and Flava. He began DJing at local clubs and sound systems influenced by artists from the rave era including Paul Oakenfold, Carl Cox, and Fabio, while also interacting with producers associated with labels like FFRR, XL Recordings, and Warp. Early connections with peers involved figures from the drum and bass and garage communities such as Goldie, LTJ Bukem, and Zed Bias, which helped him transition into production and remix work for independent imprints including Locked On, Fresh Records, and Soul II Soul-associated outlets.

Breakthrough and notable releases

Sticky's breakthrough came with singles that crossed from underground club charts into the UK Singles Chart, paralleling contemporaries like Craig David, MJ Cole, and Artful Dodger. Notable releases include club anthems and remixes distributed on Slip 'n' Slide and Forward Records, which aligned him with playlists at BBC Radio 1, Capital FM, and Kiss FM. His production on tracks received attention alongside releases from labels such as Ministry of Sound, Positiva, and EMI, and tracks were featured in compilations curated by DJs like Sasha, John Digweed, and Judge Jules. The era also saw Sticky's work juxtaposed with releases by Dizzee Rascal, Wiley, Skepta, and Kano as grime and garage cross-pollinated.

Production style and influence

Sticky's production is characterized by syncopated 2-step rhythms, shuffling percussion, bass-heavy arrangements, and chopped vocal sampling akin to techniques employed by producers on labels like Big Dada, Hyperdub, and Ninja Tune. His approach draws from UK garage pioneers such as Todd Edwards, MJ Cole, and Sunship, and from drum and bass sensibilities similar to Roni Size and LTJ Bukem. Sticky contributed to the sonic vocabulary later adopted by grime and bassline artists affiliated with Boy Better Know, Rinse, and Planet Mu, influencing producers including Zed Bias, DJ Zinc, and El-B, and informing remix culture practiced by Mark Ronson, Calvin Harris, and Fatboy Slim.

Collaborations and associated acts

Throughout his career Sticky worked with a broad network of artists and producers across scenes, collaborating or sharing credits with names like Craig David, Dizzee Rascal, Jay-Z, Ms. Dynamite, Estelle, and Omar. He remixed or produced for acts associated with labels including Def Jam, Sony, Universal, and Warner, and shared stages or studio time with DJs and producers such as DJ Hype, DJ EZ, Kerri Chandler, and Groove Armada. Associations extended to vocalists and MCs from the UK urban landscape including JME, Ghetts, Skepta, and Lady Sovereign, as well as international acts linked to the US market like Missy Elliott, Timbaland, and Pharrell Williams.

Live performances and DJ residencies

Sticky held residencies and guest slots at notable venues and events including Fabric, Ministry of Sound, Creamfields, Glastonbury Festival, Wireless Festival, and Lovebox, appearing on lineups alongside electronic and urban headliners like The Chemical Brothers, Basement Jaxx, The Streets, and Massive Attack. He performed on radio and club circuits tied to Rinse FM, Kiss FM, BBC Radio 1Xtra, and appeared in DJ mixes and live sessions alongside Pete Tong, Annie Mac, Zane Lowe, and Benji B. His touring profile connected him with promoters and venues across Europe, North America, and Asia, participating in club nights run by labels such as Defected, Hed Kandi, and Celebrate.

Awards and recognition

Sticky's work earned recognition within industry awards circuits and press coverage in publications like NME, Mixmag, DJ Mag, The Guardian, and The Independent. Chart placements and playlist support led to nominations and honors at award shows and industry events tied to the BRIT Awards ecosystem, the Mercury Prize conversation, and specialist ceremonies celebrating urban and electronic music. His productions have been cited in retrospectives about UK garage and grime alongside artists acknowledged by institutions such as the BBC, British Phonographic Industry, and major festival curators.

Personal life and recent activities

Residing in London, Sticky continues producing, DJing, and mentoring emerging artists, engaging with community projects, workshops, and label A&R activity that intersect with collectives like Rinse, Boiler Room, and Red Bull Music Academy alumni. Recent activities include releases on independent labels, guest production credits, and appearances at anniversary shows celebrating UK garage and grime legacies alongside artists like So Solid Crew, Sweet Female Attitude, and The Streets. He remains active on social platforms and streaming services where fans follow his mixes, back catalogue, and new collaborations with both established and rising figures from the UK and international scenes.

Category:British DJs Category:Record producers from London