Dillinja in London

About the artist

Arguably the most prolific producer within the drum and bass scene (with over 500 releases produced since 1991), Francis subsequently set up Valve Recordings in partnership with long-term collaborator Lemon D (Kevin King), with whom he also designed and built the Valve Sound System. As well as the record label and sound system, Francis and King have also opened a specialist mastering and vinyl cutting studio, Ear2ground. Albums include My Sound (1993–2004), Cybotron, as well as Big Bad Bass and The Killa-Hertz with Lemon D. The spelling of Dillinja has changed since he started releasing vinyl, found on some older vinyl as either 'Dillinger' or 'Dillinjah'. The origin of his name is unknown but it is likely that it came from one of reggae's earliest MCs, who called himself Dillinger (real name Lester Bullocks) after the famous American gangster John Dillinger. Two of Dillinja's other aliases are also linked to Bullocks' contemporaries: Capone to Dennis Alcapone (born Dennis Smith) and Trinity to Junior Brammer (born Wade Brammer), both reggae deejays and producers. Dillinja's track "Twist Em' Out" is frequently used in Da Ali G Show.