Zed Bias: Neighbourhood (Locked On, 2000)

Not too many songs better capture the swagger and zeitgeist of an era than Zed Bias’ “Neighbourhood.” From the fragile Anita Baker keys hammered by the squelchy bass and MC, “Neighbourhood” was another in the categories of anthems that crossed over, reaching the top 25 in the UK charts in 2000. That’s hard to believe given the experimental and fragmentary arrangement, with keys and vocals dropping in and out in an architecture that would presage Dubstep. It’s that progressive spirit that has probably lead Zed Bias to have one of the most well-rounded careers of anyone in UKG, as a working DJ able to play festivals both stateside and in Europe and clubs worldwide some 17 years after his first hit.