X-Press 2: Pioneers of UK House Music

X-Press 2 is a seminal British house music production and DJ collective formed in London. The group is best known for their global chart hit "Lazy," a landmark collaboration that brought underground house to mainstream audiences worldwide.

Early career

X-Press 2 formed in the late 1980s, originally consisting of DJs and producers Rocky, Diesel, and Ashley Beedle. Emerging from the vibrant London club scene, they built a reputation through their DJ sets and early releases on labels like Junior Boy's Own, establishing a raw, sample-heavy house sound.

Breakthrough

The collective's major breakthrough arrived in 2002 with the single Lazy featuring David Byrne. Released on the Skint label, the track became an international smash, reaching number two on the UK Singles Chart and achieving platinum certification in the United Kingdom.

Key tracks

Lazy — This collaboration with Talking Heads' David Byrne defined their career, winning a BRIT Award and becoming a global house anthem.

Muzikizum — The title track from their 2006 album showcased their evolving, deeper production style and critical acclaim.

London X-Press — An earlier, influential track that encapsulated the energy of the 90s UK house scene.

AC/DC — A driving, instrumental club hit from 1993 that remains a staple in DJ sets, highlighting their foundational sound.

The success of Lazy propelled their debut album, Muzikizum, which was released in 2002 to positive reviews. They followed this with Makeshift Feelgood in 2006, continuing their run of inventive house music. The group has collaborated with a diverse range of vocalists including Kurt Wagner of Lambchop and Tim Burgess of The Charlatans.

Their music shares the innovative, club-focused spirit of fellow UK acts like Leftfield, who also blend house with alternative influences. The pop-infused house sound connects them to Basement Jaxx, another act known for energetic crossover hits. Listeners of The Chemical Brothers will appreciate their big-beat adjacent production, while the legacy of Underworld mirrors their success in crafting intelligent, anthemic dance music.

X-Press 2's catalog is a fixture on electronic and dance-focused radio stations, from dedicated FM dance channels to online radio streams specializing in house music history. Their timeless tracks are regularly featured in mixes and specialist programs celebrating the evolution of club culture.

The music of X-Press 2, from the classic Lazy to their deeper album cuts, can be heard on the house and electronic music radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover the enduring sound of this UK house pioneer through the curated radio stations available on onairium.com.