Rusko

Christopher William Mercer, known professionally as Rusko, is a British electronic music producer and DJ renowned for his influential role in the dubstep genre. Born in Leeds, England, he was raised in nearby York and attended Fulford School. Rusko later graduated from Leeds College of Music with a degree in Music Performance.

Immersed in the dubstep scene through Leeds-based event "Sub Dub," Rusko moved to London to collaborate with the record label Sub Soldiers and fellow artist Caspa. His production debut came in 2006 with the track "SNES Dub" on Dub Police, followed by the release of "Babylon, Vol. 1" in 2007 under Sub Soldiers. Steering away from the darker side of dubstep, Rusko introduced an upbeat sound to the scene, appealing to a broader audience.

One of his most successful hits, "Cockney Thug," gained significant attention and was featured in various DJ sets and mixes, including those by Pete Tong, Switch, M.I.A., and Santigold. Rusko's music has been remixed by artists such as Buraka Som Sistema, Drop the Lime, Scratch Perverts, Sub Focus, and Caspa. He has also produced remixes for artists like Adele and A-Trak featuring Kid Sister.

In 2010, Rusko released his debut album, "O.M.G.!," followed by "Songs" in 2012. He has collaborated with notable acts including M.I.A., Cypress Hill, and Damian Marley. In 2013, he joined Skrillex's label OWSLA, further expanding his influence in the electronic music scene.

In May 2017, Rusko was diagnosed with gastric lymphoma, leading him to cancel his summer events while undergoing treatment. By October 2017, he announced that he was cancer-free and returned to performing in 2018. Continuing to produce and perform, Rusko remains a significant figure in the dubstep and electronic music communities, known for his energetic performances and innovative sound.