I-Level: The UK Garage and 2-Step Pioneers

I-Level was a British electronic music duo that became a defining force in the late 1990s UK garage and 2-step scene. Hailing from London, the group achieved mainstream success with their platinum-certified single Beachball, which became a crossover anthem and a staple of club culture.

Early career

The duo, formed in the mid-1990s, consisted of producer Leon "L30" Crichton and vocalist Jo "JoJo" Gornell. Emerging from the vibrant London underground, I-Level began crafting a distinct sound that fused deep, soulful vocals with the syncopated, skipping rhythms of the burgeoning 2-step garage movement. Their early work caught the attention of the influential AM:PM Records, a subsidiary of Virgin Records, which became their home for their most successful releases.

Breakthrough

I-Level's commercial breakthrough arrived in 1999 with the release of the seminal single Beachball. The track, characterized by its infectious bassline, JoJo's smooth vocal delivery, and summery vibe, became an inescapable hit. It soared to number 6 on the UK Singles Chart and was certified Platinum, selling over 600,000 copies, cementing its status as one of the era's most iconic dance records.

Key tracks

Beachball — The duo's signature hit that brought UK garage to the pop charts and achieved platinum sales status.

Give Me — A deeper, soulful garage cut that showcased the group's musical versatility beyond their biggest hit.

Mad — Another strong single release that maintained their chart presence and solidified their sound on radio.

Dreaming — A track exemplifying their smooth production style and JoJo's distinctive vocal tone.

Following the massive success of Beachball, I-Level released their debut album, Sometimes, in 2000. The album compiled their singles and further album tracks, presenting a cohesive vision of their soul-infused garage sound. While they never replicated the chart heights of their biggest hit, the duo continued to produce music and perform, remaining respected figures within the UK dance community. Their influence is heard in the subsequent evolution of genres like bassline and future garage.

Fans of I-Level's blend of soulful vocals and rhythmic UK garage should also explore the work of similar UK artists. Artful Dodger was a pivotal production duo and collective that launched several vocal talents in the scene. MJ Cole is a key producer known for his sophisticated, musical approach to the 2-step genre. Shanks & Bigfoot scored a major UK number one with the garage anthem Sweet Like Chocolate. The Streets later incorporated garage rhythms into a uniquely British lyrical storytelling style.

The music of I-Level maintains a regular presence on specialist radio formats, particularly on UK garage and classic dance music stations, as well as on online radio streams dedicated to celebrating the sounds of the late '90s and early 2000s. Their tracks are perennial favorites, often featured in retrospectives and genre-focused shows that highlight foundational electronic music.

Listeners can discover the classic sound of I-Level, including the iconic hit Beachball, by tuning into the UK garage and classic dance radio stations featured on onairium.com, where their music remains an essential part of the playlist rotation.