The wait is finally over for the bass music community. After nearly two years of circulating as a high-octane festival ID known to die-hard fans as “Killers,” the second collaboration between electronic pioneer Skrillex and San Diego’s trap prodigy ISOxo has officially ignited. Titled ‘Smoke’, the track is a masterclass in sonic aggression, featuring razor-sharp vocal contributions from UK drill powerhouses Cristale and TeeZandos.
In an era where electronic music often leans into predictable structures, Skrillex and ISOxo remind us why they are at the forefront of the genre’s evolution. ‘Smoke’ isn’t just a single; it’s a high-energy collision of worlds. The track weaves together the raw, industrial textures of modern trap with a nostalgic nod to the golden era of dubstep. Listeners will immediately catch the clever DNA of Skrillex’s past, including snippets from the 2010 classic ‘Scatta’ and the legendary ‘Harlem Shake’ by Baauer, proving that Skrillex is as much a curator of culture as he is a producer.
A Partnership Forged in the Underground This isn’t the first time these two have shared a desk. Following their previous success with ‘Fuze’ from the hit me where it hurts x EP, the synergy between the veteran and the EDM.com Class of 2022 star is undeniable. ISOxo, fresh off the success of his Niteharts festival, brings a frantic, youthful energy that perfectly complements Skrillex’s polished but experimental production style.
Skrillex himself continues one of the most prolific runs of his career. From surprise B2B sets at Ultra Miami with BZRP to his recent hip-hop infused collaboration ‘Duro’ with Young Mike, Sonny Moore is currently untouchable. ‘Smoke’ serves as the perfect bridge between his underground roots and his current dominance of the global festival circuit, especially ahead of his highly anticipated appearance at the Summer Smash Festival.
The track is a relentless journey through pounding basslines and intricate sound design. It’s a “ferocious anthem” that manages to give each artist—including the gritty lyricism of Cristale and TeeZandos—room to breathe without any single element overshadowing the other. If this is the direction bass music is heading, the future looks incredibly bright—and very loud.