Protohype
Protohype is the dubstep and bass-music DJ project of Nashville producer Max Hype, who fused hip-hop drums with dubstep low end into a style he calls Dub Hop. He came up through the hip-hop world before turning to DJing, and has described his sets as largely built from his own original productions rather than other artists' tracks, a habit he credits to arriving at DJing only after establishing himself as a producer in college. Protohype runs the label Underdog Records and, more recently, a mobile production school called The Producer's Corner, extending his reach beyond the booth into artist development.
His original tunes, numbering in the hundreds, have been released through imprints including SMOG and Firepower Records, building a discography that fans and fellow DJs have drawn from for years. Insomniac has profiled him as an artist who continues to push toward center stage worldwide with a bass-driven sound distinct from mainstream dubstep. He has toured widely, playing club and festival dates built around his own catalogue, and has spoken publicly about balancing touring life with running his label and school.
Outside the booth, he is known for the #puppycrew movement, encouraging fans toward animal-shelter support alongside his music.