Who / What
Major Lazer is an American electronic dance music and DJ group. Originally founded in 2008 by Diplo and Switch, the current lineup includes Diplo, Walshy Fire, Ape Drums, and vocalist America Foster.
Background & History
Diplo and fellow record producer Switch formed Major Lazer in 2008. After Switch's departure in 2011, Jillionaire and Walshy Fire joined as replacements, establishing a new core lineup. The group has since evolved with additional members like Ape Drums and America Foster contributing to their signature dancehall and electronic fusion sound.
Why Notable
Major Lazer achieved mainstream success by blending electronic dance music with Caribbean influences like dancehall and reggae. They are known for hit singles such as "Lean On" and "Cold Water," which have garnered billions of streams globally. The group has played a significant role in popularizing dancehall-infused electronic music internationally and has collaborated with numerous high-profile artists.
In the News
Major Lazer remains active with recent releases and performances, continuing to influence the electronic music scene. Their ongoing collaborations and festival appearances maintain their relevance as pioneers in cross-genre electronic music production.
