DJ Slipmatt, born Matthew Nelson, is a British electronic music producer and DJ widely regarded as one of the founding figures of the UK rave and hardcore scene. Rising to prominence in the early 1990s, he became one half of the breakbeat hardcore duo SL2, whose anthems helped define a generation of dance culture. With decades of experience across clubs, festivals and global tours, Slipmatt remains a respected and influential name in electronic music.
Slipmatt began his professional DJ career in 1989 as a resident at the iconic Raindance rave events and quickly immersed himself in the underground scene, founding the pirate radio station Raw FM in London’s East End. Collaborating with DJ Lime, he formed SL2 and achieved mainstream success with the singles 'DJs Take Control' and 'Way in My Brain', both UK Top 20 hits. Their biggest breakthrough came with 'On a Ragga Tip', which reached number two on the UK Singles Chart in 1992 and led to appearances on 'Top of the Pops' and other national television programmes.
Following SL2’s chart success, Slipmatt continued to shape rave culture through new projects, including the SMD series and releases such as 'Breaking Free' and 'Hear Me' on his Awesome Records imprint. He later compiled and mixed albums including 'United Dance Anthems 1 & 2' and 'Moondance True Rave Anthems', alongside remix work for Ministry of Sound and other established labels. His 2003 single 'Space' reached number 41 on the UK Singles Chart, demonstrating his continued relevance in the scene.
Slipmatt is hired for festivals, club nights and large-scale dance events because he brings authentic rave heritage combined with proven chart credentials. Having performed at Fantazia, Dreamscape, Helter Skelter, Hardcore Heaven, Glastonbury, Bestival and major Ibiza venues including Space and Eden, he delivers high-energy, technically precise DJ sets that guarantee dancefloor impact for both nostalgic ravers and new audiences alike.
