Blue Lab Beats is an English, London-based music duo composed of NK-OK (Namali Kwaten) and Mr DM (David Mrakpor). Renowned for their innovative blend of jazz, hip-hop, and Afrobeat, they have carved out a unique niche in the global music landscape.
The duo met at London's Weekend Arts College and began creating music together as teenagers. Officially forming around 2016, Blue Lab Beats' name originates from NK-OK's bedroom studio, affectionately labeled the "Blue Lab."
Their sound is a rich tapestry of indie jazz, hip-hop, Afrobeat, and electronica, often categorized under the "jazztronica" genre. Early influences for NK-OK include MF Doom and Madlib, whereas Mr DM draws inspiration from jazz legends Thelonius Monk and Herbie Hancock. Additional influences span artists like Fela Kuti, J Dilla, Sampa The Great, and Robert Glasper.
![Artist Spotlight: Blue Lab Beats [Stream] — The Pit London](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58519102725e25cc99d17697/2499c775-9693-467d-8e11-11ce084fe316/Screenshot+2021-12-09+at+18.30.38.png)
Blue Lab Beats' impressive discography includes albums such as:
Their accolades include a Grammy Award for their production on Angelique Kidjo's "Mother Nature" (Best Global Music Album) and nominations for the Best Jazz Act at the 2021 MOBO Awards. They have also performed at prestigious festivals like Glastonbury and the Montreux Jazz Festival and have collaborated with artists such as Kojey Radical, Nubya Garcia, and Poppy Ajudha.
In 2024, Blue Lab Beats continued their musical journey by releasing their fourth studio album, "Blue Eclipse," and establishing their own independent label, Blue Adventure Records. Their latest single, "Options," further showcases their evolving sound and commitment to innovation.
The duo's music creation strategy involves a dynamic combination of live instrumentation with modern production. NK-OK specializes in drum programming, percussion, and production, while Mr DM contributes with guitar, bass, and keyboard performances.
Boasting over 84 million streams on Spotify, Blue Lab Beats have made significant contributions to the UK jazz scene, celebrated for their innovative approach in blending jazz with electronic elements.
Studio Albums:
EPs:
Notable Singles:
Blue Lab Beats' transition from bedroom producers to Grammy-winning artists underscores their growth and monumental impact on today's music sphere.
Want to know when Blue Lab Beats joins Holican?
Subscribe to get notified when this artist claims their official page and starts sharing content.