By Azzam Bilal 
HangupsMusic.com – London, the heart of the global electronic music scene, is once again witnessing a masterclass in genre-blending and cultural curation. Chase & Status, the legendary production duo consisting of Saul Milton and Will Kennard, have officially unveiled their latest sonic offering, "Through the Pain." This high-octane single features the lyrical prowess of Croydon-based MC Pozer, marking a significant intersection between the resurgence of UK drum and bass and the gritty, rhythmic foundations of the modern drill scene. The release serves as a testament to the duo’s uncanny ability to remain at the forefront of the underground while simultaneously dictating the pulse of the mainstream charts.
"Through the Pain" arrives at a pivotal moment for Chase & Status, who have spent the better part of the last two years redefining their legacy. The track itself is a visceral exploration of the high-energy, breakbeat-driven sound that has become synonymous with the duo’s recent output. By enlisting Pozer, they have tapped into one of the most exciting voices in the contemporary UK rap landscape. Pozer, a MOBO Award-winning artist, has rapidly ascended the ranks of the industry, notably becoming the first UK rapper to secure two simultaneous charting singles—a feat that has contributed to his staggering 100 million cumulative streams. His inclusion on the track provides a bridge between the dancefloor-focused energy of drum and bass and the narrative-heavy world of London street music.
To celebrate the launch of the single, Chase & Status opted for a return to their roots, hosting a pair of exclusive, high-intensity events at Corsica Studios in South London. These "phone-free" parties were designed to reclaim the authentic clubbing experience, stripping away the distractions of social media and digital recording to focus entirely on the synergy between the performers and the crowd. In the intimate, sweat-soaked environment of Corsica Studios, "Through the Pain" was performed live for the first time, allowing the duo and Pozer to gauge the immediate physical reaction of their core audience. The events were not merely single-launch parties but served as a gathering of UK underground royalty, featuring appearances from influential figures such as Blade Brown and the avant-garde rapper Lancey Foux.
The strategy of "phone-free" events reflects a growing sentiment within the electronic music community—a desire to return to the anonymity and pure immersion of the 1990s rave culture. By enforcing this policy, Chase & Status ensured that the first experience of "Through the Pain" was one of collective presence rather than digital documentation. This move highlights their status as veterans who respect the history of the scene while continuing to innovate within its modern constraints.
The release of "Through the Pain" follows an unprecedented run of success for the duo. Their 2023 project, ‘2 Ruff Vol. 1’, acted as a catalyst for a new era of drum and bass, bringing the genre back to the forefront of the British musical consciousness. A cornerstone of that success was the single "Baddadan," a collaboration with the iconic grime vocalist Flowdan and the rising producer Bou. "Baddadan" became a cultural phenomenon, spending 15 consecutive weeks in the UK Top 10 and eventually achieving platinum status. More importantly, it acted as a gateway for a new generation of listeners, shining a spotlight on a fresh wave of UK producers like Hedex and Bou, who have since become household names in the electronic circuit.
Building on the momentum of "Baddadan," 2024 proved to be a historic year for Milton and Kennard. Their single "Backbone," featuring the UK rap titan Stormzy, achieved what few drum and bass tracks have ever managed: it secured the No. 1 spot on the official British singles chart. This milestone was not just a personal victory for Chase & Status but a symbolic win for the entire drum and bass community, proving that the genre’s high-BPM energy could compete with and conquer the pop-dominated landscape of the 21st century.
The duo’s recent trajectory has been characterized by a seamless transition from intimate club settings to massive stadium tours. Last year, they embarked on a series of shows that hit some of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious and large-scale venues, selling out arenas and delivering a visual and auditory spectacle that solidified their position as one of the premier live acts in electronic music. Despite this massive commercial scaling, their decision to host the "Through the Pain" launch at Corsica Studios suggests a commitment to the underground foundations that birthed their career over two decades ago.
Pozer’s involvement in "Through the Pain" is particularly noteworthy given his rapid rise within the Croydon drill scene. His ability to adapt his flow to the rapid-fire tempo of a Chase & Status production demonstrates the versatility that has made him a MOBO winner. The collaboration underscores a broader trend in UK music where the boundaries between rap, grime, and electronic dance music are increasingly porous. For Chase & Status, working with Pozer is a continuation of their long-standing tradition of collaborating with the most vital voices in the UK, from their early work with Kano and Plan B to their more recent partnerships with the likes of Irah and Takura.
The production on "Through the Pain" carries the hallmark Chase & Status signature: meticulous engineering, earth-shaking sub-bass, and a rhythmic complexity that keeps the listener off-balance yet entirely engaged. It is a track designed for the sound system—a reminder that while the duo can top the charts, their primary loyalty remains to the dancefloor. The synergy between Pozer’s gritty delivery and the duo’s polished yet aggressive production creates a tension that is both modern and nostalgic, echoing the jungle and hardcore roots that originally inspired Saul and Will.
As the UK music industry continues to evolve, Chase & Status remain an anomaly—a duo that has managed to stay relevant across multiple decades and shifting musical trends. They have navigated the transition from vinyl culture to the streaming era without losing their identity. "Through the Pain" is more than just a new single; it is a statement of intent. It suggests that Chase & Status are not content to rest on the laurels of their first No. 1 or their platinum records. Instead, they are continuing to scout for new talent, experiment with new sounds, and find new ways to connect with their audience.
The success of their recent singles has also had a ripple effect on the wider drum and bass ecosystem. By integrating elements of drill and grime into their productions, Chase & Status have helped to diversify the genre’s audience, bringing in listeners who might previously have stayed within the confines of hip-hop or R&B. This cross-pollination is vital for the health of the UK’s independent music scene, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among artists from different backgrounds.
Looking forward, the arrival of "Through the Pain" sets the stage for what many expect to be another prolific chapter for the duo. With their fingers firmly on the pulse of the London underground and their eyes set on global expansion, Chase & Status continue to prove that they are the definitive architects of the UK’s electronic soundscape. Whether they are playing to 20,000 people in a stadium or 200 people in a basement in Brixton, the mission remains the same: to push the boundaries of what electronic music can be and to provide a voice for the streets of London. "Through the Pain" is the latest evidence that, even after twenty years, Chase & Status are just getting started.