Editing Ninja Tune

{{short description|English record label}}
{{Use British English|date=June 2015}}
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{{Citation style|date=October 2022}}
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{{Infobox record label
 | image = File:NINJA LOGO 2.png
 | image_size = 200
 | founded = 1990
 | founder = {{hlist|[[Matt Black (DJ)|Matt Black]]|Jonathan More}}
 | country = England, United Kingdom
 | location = London
 | genre = {{hlist|[[Electronic music|Electronic]]|[[downtempo]]|[[Dance music|dance]]|[[hip hop music|hip hop]]|[[experimental music|experimental]]}}
 | distributor = {{hlist|[[PIAS Recordings|[PIAS]]]|[[Redeye Distribution]]}}
 | url = {{URL|www.ninjatune.net}}
}}
'''Ninja Tune''' is an [[independent record label]] based in [[London]], with a satellite office in [[Los Angeles]]. It was founded in 1990 by musicians [[Matt Black (DJ)|Matt Black]] and Jonathan More, known collectively as [[Coldcut]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ninja Tune Biography |url=http://www.imorecords.co.uk/drumandbasslabels/ninja-tune-biography/}}</ref> The label was established as an outlet for Coldcut to explore a style distinct from that of the mainstream music industry.

==History==

===1990–1999===
Following a [[Coldcut]] tour in Japan with [[Norman Cook]] (a.k.a. Fatboy Slim, then of [[Beats International]]) the label lifted its moniker and aesthetic from the Japanese TV shows of the 1950s and 1960s based on the [[Ninja]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2010/sep/22/label-of-love-ninja-tune | date=22 September 2010| title=Label of love: Ninja Tune| author=Kennedy, Adam | work=The Guardian|location=London }}</ref> With their first releases in the early 1990s, Ninja Tune went on to "usher in trip-hop/instrumental [[Hip hop music|hip hop]]." according to [[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/14672-ninja-tune-xx-20-years-of-beats-and-pieces/ | title=Ninja Tune XX: 20 Years of Beats and Pieces| author=Harvell, Jess|date=28 September 2010|publisher=Pitchfork }}</ref>

After Coldcut's success with their first label, ''Ahead of Our Time'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discogs.com/label/3718-Ahead-Of-Our-Time |title=Ahead of Our Time – CDs and Vinyl |publisher=Discogs |access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref> contractual issues prevented them from releasing anything under their name. Ninja Tune's inaugural release was Coldcut's (under the name Bogus Order) house break collection ''Zen Brakes Vol. 1'' in 1990. The label's profile increased when Coldcut, as [[DJ Food]], released their funky hip-hop jazz-breaks album, ''Jazz Brakes Vol. 1'', which "blew up" in the DJ circuit, according to ''Record Collector''.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Record Collector|title=Record Collector|date=November 2000|volume=255}}</ref> DJ Food's ''Jazz Brakes'' series were intended as source material for DJs and producers who worked with breaks and beats.

In 1992, Peter Quicke joined as label manager, as did Patrick Carpenter, a.k.a. PC, who joined Coldcut as a sound engineer. [[Steinski]], a big inspiration behind Coldcut's initial forays into music, released his first Ninja Tune EP as Steinski and Mass Media in the same year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/8994-Steinski-amp-Mass-Media?anv=Steinski+And+Mass+Media | date=1992 | title=Entry for Ninja Tune release of Steinski |publisher=Discogs}}</ref> According to Nate Patrin, the single "builds on a catchy loop of the [[Jackson 5]]'s 'It's Great to Be Here' and creates one of the few anti-[[Gulf War]] protest songs of the era, transforming [U.S. President [[George H. W. Bush|George H. W.]]] Bush's speech into a pop [[Hook (music)|hook]] ('Regrettably, we now believe/ That only force will make him leave') and interspersing quotes from [[Jello Biafra]] ('don't hate the media, become the media!') and [[Mario Savio]]'s famous 1964 address to the [[Berkeley Free Speech Movement]]."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/11524-what-does-it-all-mean-1983-2006-retrospective/ | date=30 May 2008 | title=Album Review: Steinski's What Does It All Mean? 1983-2006 Retrospective| author=Patrin, Nate|publisher=Pitchfork }}</ref>

Between 1994 and 1997, Ninja explored the [[instrumental hip hop]] beats sound (often known as [[trip hop]]). Its pioneering<ref>{{cite book|title=Spin|date=September 2007}}</ref> influence on the genre became more prevalent with the label's first compilation, ''Funkjazztical Tricknology'', in 1995. The genre originated in England as a successor to [[acid house]], taking influence from [[acid jazz]] and [[funk]], and using hip hop style [[breakbeat]]s rather than the mechanical '4 on the floor' drum rhythm of the house. 

The ongoing success of Solid Steel, and its subsequent syndication across the globe, broadcast the Ninja brand across the airwaves. The late-night Saturday show cut all manner of beats, samples, and loops into a chaotic musical blend.<ref>{{cite book|title=iDJ|date=June 2004}}</ref> The show's 'everything but the kitchen sink' approach continued through Coldcut's "utterly brilliant"<ref name="The Wire">{{cite book|title=The Wire|date=May 1996}}</ref> ''Journeys by DJ'' series of mix compilations in 1995. The title ''70 Minutes of Madness'' was a nod to Coldcut's earlier [[Eric B & Rakim]] remix, and included sounds from [[Jonathan Saul Kane|Depth Charge]], DJ Food, [[Plastikman]], [[Mantronix]], [[Harold Budd]] and the [[Doctor Who theme]].

In 1994, Matt Black's close friend [[Mixmaster Morris]] introduced Matt to Openmind – a DJ & design collective in [[Camberwell]] – at the Telepathic Fish chill-out club they were running. Openmind included Kevin Foakes a.k.a. Strictly Kev of [[DJ Food]]. After submitting a re-styled company logo he was employed by Ninja Tune in the capacity of overall design consultant. Matt Black also invited Foakes to Ninja's recording studio, where he eventually joined the many hands at work on DJ Food's 1995 album, ''[[Recipe for Disaster (album)|Recipe for Disaster]]'' (which also included Patrick Carpenter a.k.a. PC, Isaac Elliston, Paul Rabiger and Paul Brooks).  

With their two 1994 albums, ''Paradise Blown'' and ''Electric Lazyland'', [[9 Lazy 9]] helped spawn the funky, subterranean sound for which Ninja Tune would earn its early acclaim, combining hip hop and funk breakbeats with jazz-influenced sound.{{sfn|Larkin|2000|p=129}} 

Coldcut's "Timber" video – an AV collage piece using analogous techniques to audio sample collage – was put on heavy rotation on [[MTV]],<ref>{{cite news|newspaper=The Independent|title=The Independent|date=15 January 1999}}</ref> and won awards for its innovative use of repetitive video clips synced to the music,{{sfn|Bogdanov|2003|p=}}{{page needed|date=February 2024}} including being shortlisted at the Edinburgh Television and Film Festival in their top five music videos of the year in 1998.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Guardian|date=February 1999}}</ref>

In 1995, Matt Black created ''Pipe'', Ninja's first website. The label's current website, ninja tune.net,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ninjatune.net|title=Ninja Tune Homepage|publisher=Ninjatune.net|access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref> was developed by the following year.

Also in 1996, Ninja Tune expanded across the ocean, opening its [[Montreal]] office to manage distribution across North America.he book ''Integrated Performance Management'' described Ninja Tunes as devising "a term that perfectly expresses the antitheses between chaos and order."{{sfn|Verweire|Berghe|2004|p=260}}

n 1997 Ninja Tune's sister label [[Big Dada]] was launched. Coldcut's fourth album ''[[Let Us Play!]]'' was released in September 1997, making its way to the Top 40, reaching No. 33 in the UK Charts. ''Let Us Play!'' paid homage to the greats that inspired them.<ref name="Music Week">{{cite news |date=9 August 1997 |title=Music Week}}</ref> Their first album to be released on Ninja Tune, it featured guest appearances by [[Grandmaster Flash]], [[Steinski]], [[Jello Biafra]], [[Jimpster]], [[The Herbaliser]], [[Talvin Singh]], [[Daniel Pemberton]] and Selena Saliva. [[Hex (VJ group)|Hex]] collaborated with Coldcut to produce the multimedia CD-ROM for the album. Hex later evolved the software into the engine that was used on the ''Let Us Play!'' world tour.

In 1999, ''Let Us Replay!'' was released, a double-disc remix album where Coldcut's classic tunes were remixed by [[Cornelius (musician)|Cornelius]] (the opener of the album, which was heralded as a highlight of the album),<ref>{{cite book|title=NME|date=January 1999}}</ref> [[Mixmaster Morris|Irresistible Force]], [[Shut Up and Dance (band)|Shut Up and Dance]], [[Carl Craig]] and J Swinscoe.<ref name="Cooper">{{cite web |last1=Cooper |first1=Paul |title=Roots Manuva: Brand New Secondhand |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/5099-brand-new-secondhand/ |website=Pitchfork |access-date=22 January 2024}}</ref> ''[[Spin Magazine]]'' stated that ''Let Us Replay!'' pieces together "short sharp shocks that put the mental in 'experimental' and still bring the breaks till the breakadawn."<ref name="Clover">{{cite journal |last1=Clover |first1=Joshua |title=The Shredder |journal=Spin |date=April 1999 |volume=15 |issue=4 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_NXdfW9kpokC&dq=%22short+sharp+shocks+that+put+the+mental+in+%27experimental%27+and+still+bring+the+breaks+till+the+breakadawn.%22&pg=PT21 |access-date=5 February 2024}}</ref> It also includes a few live tracks from the duo's innovative world tour.{{sfn|Bogdanov|Woodstra|Bush|Erlewine|2001|p=}}{{page needed|date=February 2024}} The CD-ROM of the album, which also contained a free demo disc of the VJamm software,<ref name="Howe">{{cite web |last1=Howe |first1=Brian |title=Jaga Jazzist: One-Armed Bandit |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/13822-one-armed-bandit/ |website=Pitchfork |access-date=26 January 2024 |date=26 January 2010}}</ref> was one of the earliest audiovisual CD- Roms on the market,<ref>''Artbyte'', Volume 3, Issues 5–6</ref> and [[Muzik]] claimed deserved to "have them canonized...it's like buying an entire mini studio for under $15."<ref>{{cite book|title=Muzik|date=September 1997}}</ref>

[[Mr. Scruff]]'s ''[[Keep It Unreal]]'' was released in the summer of 1999.{{sfn|Bogdanov|Woodstra|Bush|Erlewine|2001|p=}}{{page needed|date=February 2024}} Filled with bubbly breakbeats, slick horn sizzles, and bristling house beats,<ref>{{cite book|title=CMJ New Music Report|date=21 June 1999}}</ref> the album opened with [[BBC Radio 1]] DJ [[Mary Ann Hobbes]] asking, "Are you ready Mr. Scruff?"

At some point in 1999, the U.S. [[Federal Communications Commission]] decided that [[DJ Vadim]] and [[Sarah Jones (stage actress)|Sarah Jones]]' pro-women empowerment record ''Your Revolution'' was "indecent" for radio.<ref>{{cite book|title=People for the American Way|date=January 2001}}</ref> The decision ended up in court in 2002, where arguments were advanced for freedom of speech, freedom of expression and to argue the double standards of the ban and fine.

===2000–2010===
In 2000, Ninja Tune celebrated its first decade of music with ''Xen Cuts'', a three CD, 6 x LP box set that provided a collection of their artists.<ref>{{cite book|title=Hybrid Magazine|date=28 January 2000}}</ref> Mark Richardson with Pitchfork called the effort a "mostly downtempo affair."<ref name="Richardson">{{cite web |last1=Richardson |first1=Mark |title=Various Artists: Xen Cuts |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/1947-xen-cuts/ |website=Pitchfork |access-date=22 January 2024}}</ref> It featured the likes of [[Latyrx]] (Lyrics Born and Lateef), [[The Herbaliser]], [[Kid Koala]] and [[Luke Vibert]], Clifford Gilberto, [[Amon Tobin]] and [[Funki Porcini]].

Also in 2000, [[Kid Koala]] released ''[[Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (album)|Carpal Tunnel Syndrome]]'', "a playfully arranged montage of quirky sound bites, rhythmic scratching, and fluid hip hop beats."<ref name="Nowinski">{{cite magazine |last1=Nowinski |first1=Amanda |title=Kid Koala delivers old-school set on Ninja Tune |magazine=Billboard |date=27 November 1999 |volume=111 |issue=48 |page=44 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gggEAAAAMBAJ&dq=%22Kid+Koala+delivers+old-school+set+on+Ninja+Tune%22&pg=PA45 |access-date=5 February 2024}}</ref> Deriving sample material from both comedy albums and sound effects records, and jazz and funk vinyl, the release received much critical success. It was called "brilliant" and "humorous" in the book ''Minority Report: An Alternative History of English-language Arts in Quebec.''{{sfn|Ackerman|2011|p=130}} {{citation needed|date=February 2024}} Kid Koala cut two further highly acclaimed albums for Ninja, 2003's ''[[Some of My Best Friends Are DJs]]'' and 2006's ''[[Your Mom's Favorite DJ]]''.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}}

In 2001, [[Roots Manuva]] delivered his second album, ''[[Run Come Save Me]]'', which was deemed one of the albums of the year by ''[[The Independent]].'' Similarly, [[Mojo (magazine)|''Mojo'']] described it as "not just a landmark UK hip hop album, but a landmark hip hop album period". The album charted at number 33 in the UK Charts.<ref>{{cite news|magazine=Billboard|title=Billboard|date=27 October 2001}}</ref> "Witness (1 Hope)", the first single off the album, charted at No. 45 and was declared by [[AllMusic]] as being "the best British rap single since [[Tricky (musician)|Tricky]]'s 'Aftermath'."<ref>{{cite book|last=Bush|first=John|title=All Music}}</ref> ''Run Come Save Me'' won a nomination for the 2002 [[Mercury Music Award]], and was called by ''[[The Times]]'' "Too maverick, too brilliantly original a talent to be tethered by mere genre or geography." {{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}

Also in 2001 Cornwall's [[Luke Vibert]] joined Ninja Tune. Growing up amongst contemporaries [[Aphex Twin]] and [[Tom Middleton]]/[[Global Communication]], Vibert had made a name for himself in experimental electronica, though his name has always been hard to pin down: he operates under several different aliases. With the moniker [[Wagon Christ]], Vibert released ''[[Musipal]]'' on Ninja, which ''[[NME]]'' called "an intriguing procession of cheeky collages."<ref>{{cite book|title=NME|date=3 April 2001}}</ref>

[[Mr. Scruff]]'s second album on Ninja Tune, ''[[Trouser Jazz]]'', was released on 9 September 2002. It charted at 29 on the UK Chart.

In 2003, Simon Green, a.k.a. [[Bonobo (musician)|Bonobo]], released his first proper Ninja album, ''[[Dial 'M' for Monkey (album)|Dial 'M' for Monkey]]'', a subliminally seductive collection of atmospheric instrumentals.<ref>{{cite book|title=Pop Matters|date=31 July 2003}}</ref> A live version of Bonobo soon took to the road, which seeped into the production of 2006's ''[[Days to Come (album)|Days to Come]],'' an album that blurs the line between a programmed and live sound<ref>{{cite book|title=Prefix Mag|date=5 March 2008}}</ref> and created "a daydream vibe embedded within its moodiness."<ref name="Velanche">{{cite web |author1=Velanche |title=Bonobo Days To Come |url=https://xlr8r.com/reviews/days-to-come/ |website=XLR8R |access-date=22 January 2024 |date=1 January 2007}}</ref>

Blurring lines further, [[Coldcut]] collaborated with American [[video mashup]] artist TV Sheriff in 2004 to produce their cut-up entitled ''Revolution USA''. The tactical-media project (coordinated with Canadian art duo NomIg) followed on from the UK version and extended the premise "into an open access participatory project," according to author Graham Meikle.{{sfn|Meikle|2008|p=370}} Through the multimedia political art project, over 12 gigabytes of footage from the last 40 years of US politics were made accessible to download, allowing participants to create a cut-up over a Coldcut beat.<ref>{{cite book|title=Portwax|year=2004}}</ref> Coldcut also collaborated with TV Sheriff and NomIg to produce two audiovisual pieces "World of Evil" (2004) and "Revolution '08" (2008), both composed of footage from the United States presidential elections of respective years. The music used was composed by Coldcut, with "Revolution '08" featuring a remix by [[The Qemists]].

[[Roots Manuva]] climbed back into the limelight at the beginning of 2005, with his deft<ref>{{cite news|title=CITATION: The Guardian|date=27 January 2005}}</ref> album ''[[Awfully Deep]]''. His third album, which reached number 24 in the UK Charts,<ref>{{cite web|title=Roots Manuva – Awfully Deep|url=http://acharts.us/album/16797|publisher=Acharts.us|access-date=27 May 2014}}</ref> was celebrated by critics for his growth as an artist, with ''[[NME]]'' calling it "a set of immense maturity that never rubs your nose in its thematic complexity, compositional innovation, and thunderous thump-beats."<ref>{{cite book|title=NME|date=29 January 2005}}</ref>

[[The Cinematic Orchestra]] scored a new soundtrack, [[Man with a Movie Camera (The Cinematic Orchestra album)|Man with a Movie Camera]], for a screening of the visionary 1929 Russian [[Silent film|silent]] feature, ''[[Man with a Movie Camera]]'', for the 2000 Portuguese Film Festival [[Fantasporto]]. The following year it was performed at the opening gala of Portugal's year as [[European Capital of Culture]] in Porto in front of 3000 people. The material written for this film score laid the groundwork for what would be The Cinematic Orchestra's second full-length, ''[[Every Day (album)|Every Day]]'', released in May 2002, and one of Ninja's best-selling albums. Roots Manuva featured on the track "All Things to All Men", which later soundtracked the final scenes of the 2006 movie ''[[Kidulthood]]''. The Cinematic Orchestra's albums grew increasingly ambitious over the years,<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Signal to Noise|title=Signal to Noise|year=2007|issue=s 44–47}}</ref> with 2007's ''[[Ma Fleur]]'' album marking a move away from beats, and embracing folk influences. The album was based on the work of photographer Maya Hayuk (who commissioned 11 pictures based on three short stories recounting the journey from birth to death), and conceived by Swinscoe as the premise for the score of an imaginary film.<ref>{{cite book|title=CMJ New Music Monthly|date=May 2007}}</ref> Album track "To Build a Home" became one of Ninja's top tracks of all time (with its fan video clocking up nearly 9 million plays), and track "TBAH" features vocals from [[Patrick Watson (musician)|Patrick Watson]], which became the band's most successful song.

Following Jason Swinscoe's vocal appreciation of [[Jaga Jazzist]]'s 2001 album ''[[A Livingroom Hush]]'', the Norwegian jazz band signed to Ninja Tune to re-release ''A Livingroom Hush'' in 2002, followed by ''The Stix'' later that year, and their fourth album ''What We Must'' in 2005.

Coldcut returned with the single "Everything Is Under Control" at the end of 2005, featuring [[Jon Spencer]] (of [[Jon Spencer Blues Explosion]]) and [[Mike Ladd]]. It was followed in 2006 by their fifth studio album ''[[Sound Mirrors]]'', which was quoted as being "one of the most vital and imaginative records Jon More and Matt Black have ever made",<ref name="Mojo">{{cite book|title=Mojo|year=2006}}</ref> and saw the duo "continue, impressively, to find new ways to present political statements through a gamut of pristine electronics and breakbeats."<ref>{{cite book|title=Future Music|year=2007}}</ref> The fascinating array of guest vocalists<ref name="Mojo"/> included [[Soweto Kinch]], [[Annette Peacock]], [[Amiri Baraka]], and [[Saul Williams]].

Ninja connected with L.A. filmmaker and photographer B+, who had filmed ''Keepintime: Talking Drums Whispering Vinyl'', a short movie documenting a meeting between jazz/funk drummers [[Paul Humphrey (American musician)|Paul Humphrey]] and [[James Gadson]], and a bunch of turntablists who now scratched and sampled their breakbeats, including [[DJ Shadow]], [[Cut Chemist]] and the [[Beat Junkies]]. This project snowballed into a live concert featuring the drum duo jamming along with the turntablists – and included extra guests [[Madlib]] and [[Jurassic 5|DJ Numark]]. In 2005, Ninja released ''Keep in Time: A Live Recording'', a CD/DVD package that included remixes from [[King Britt]], [[Oh No (musician)|Oh No]], [[J Rocc]], and AmmonContact.

Back in London, having previously scored a place with his college band E.V.A. on the 1996 Ninja 12" ''One Track Mind'', Fin Greenall subsequently signed to the label as a solo artist, under the name [[Fink (singer)|Fink]]. First releasing ''Fresh Produce'' – an atmospheric set of [[downtempo]] [[instrumental hip hop]] tracks – on sister label [[Ntone]] in 2000, it was 2006's ''[[Biscuits for Breakfast]]'' album that set Fink officially on Ninja Tune. And it set him far apart from the rest of the label, going his way to becoming a full-blown, guitar-picking singer-songwriter.<ref name="All Music">{{cite book |title=All Music}}</ref> Two subsequent full-lengths – 2007's ''[[Distance and Time]]'' and 2009's ''[[Sort of Revolution]]'' (which featured song-writing collaborations with [[John Legend]]) have seen Fink further develop this new sound.

On the topic of sound, noise manipulator [[Amon Tobin]] came back around at the beginning of 2007 with ''[[Foley Room]]'', his sixth studio album, and a long player that was called his "darkest work yet."<ref>{{cite book|title=AV Club|year=2007}}</ref> Tobin was inspired by the work of [[Foley (filmmaking)|Foley artists]]: a Foley room is where the sound effects are recorded for films; Foley artists use their imagination and ingenuity to make the right noise for the situation they are presented with. Amon and a team of assistants headed out into the streets with high-sensitivity microphones and recorded found sounds from tigers roaring to cats eating rats, from wasps to falling chickpeas, kitchen utensils to motorbikes to water dripping from a tap. Added to this were the sounds of [[The Kronos Quartet]], Stefan Schneider (of [[To Rococo Rot]]), and Sarah Pagé, Tobin traveling from Foley rooms in Montreal to San Francisco to Seattle and back as he collected them (the CD release is accompanied by a short DVD, ''Foley Room: Found Footage'', documenting the recording process).

[[Kevin Martin (British musician)|Kevin Martin]] began developing his sound further as The Bug, after other projects such as GOD, Techno Animal, Ice, and Curse of the Golden Vampire. The Bug's second album in 2003, ''Pressure'', demonstrated a fully formed aesthetic – stark spaces, gleefully subsonic bass<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=The Wire|title=The Wire|year=2008|volume= 293–298}}</ref>  – holding collaborations with vocalists such as Toastie Taylor, Wayne Lonesome and [[Daddy Freddy]]. 2008's ''London Zoo'', meanwhile, was The Bug's third album – and first for Ninja Tune. Recorded over three years with its maker living in his studio, without a kitchen or shower, the album included collaborations with Warrior Queen, [[Tippa Irie]], [[Burial (musician)|Burial]], [[Kode9]] collaborator Spaceape, and even singer-toaster Ricky Ranking showing up on three tracks.<ref name="Patrin">{{cite web |last1=Patrin |first1=Nate |title=The Bug: London Zoo |date=30 July 2008 |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/12000-london-zoo/ |website=Pitchfork |access-date=26 January 2024}}</ref> Erik Martiny said it is a "multivocal, spoken-sung, collaborative album."{{sfn|Martiny|2011|p=135}} It appeared in many outlets' "best of 2008" lists.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}}

The year 2008 launched Ninja Tune's ''You Don't Know'', their sixth official label sampler, and, like its predecessors, contained high-quality picks from their major releases, with select remixes and a few rarities. While 2007's ''Well Deep'' multimedia package shed light on [[Big Dada]], Ninja Cuts drew a healthy cross-section from all three Ninja-associated labels.<ref>{{cite book|title=Pop Matters|date=3 April 2008}}</ref>

2008 also marked [[Daedelus (musician)|Daedelus]]' first official Ninja album, ''[[Love to Make Music To]]'', after his previous albums ''[[Exquisite Corpse (album)|Exquisite Corpse]]'' and ''[[Denies the Day's Demise]]'' had been licensed by Ninja Tune. The album showcased the L.A. artist's diverse nature and his skills as a multi-instrumentalist<ref>{{cite news|title=BBC|year=2008}}</ref> as well as his engrossing stylistic shifts.<ref>{{cite book|title=Spin|date=14 July 2008}}</ref> Additionally that year (a year after their 2007 ''Stompbox'' 12"), [[The Qemists]] released their debut album, ''Join the Q.'' All Music Guide, at the time, said that the group had constructed "some of the most energetic breakbeats of the late 2000s."<ref>{{cite web |title=The Qemists - Join the Q Album Reviews, Songs & More {{!}} AllMusic |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/join-the-q-mw0000800377 |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=5 February 2024}}</ref> The vinyl version of the album came as four super-heavy platters, weighing nearly a kilogram.{{citation needed|date=February 2024}}

In 2008, an international group of party organizers, activists, and artists – including Coldcut – received a grant from the Intelligent Energy Department of the European Union, to create a project that promoted intelligent energy and environmental awareness to the youth of Europe. The result was ''Energy Union'', a piece of VJ cinema, a political campaign, a music tour, a party, an art exhibition, and social media hub. ''Energy Union'' toured 12 EU countries throughout 2009 and 2010, completing 24 events in total. Coldcut created the ''Energy Union'' show for the tour, a one-hour Audio/Visual montage on the theme of Intelligent Energy. In presenting new ideas for climate, environmental, and energy communication strategies, the ''Energy Union'' tour was well received, and reached a widespread audience in cities across the UK, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Croatia, Slovenia, Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, Spain, and the Czech Republic.<small>missing reference</small>

[[Speech Debelle]]'s debut album, 2009's ''[[Speech Therapy (album)|Speech Therapy]]'', finally scored [[Big Dada]] a [[Mercury Prize]], after prior nominations for [[Roots Manuva]]'s ''[[Run Come Save Me]]'' and [[Ty (rapper)|Ty]]'s ''[[Upwards (album)|Upwards]]''. With the album, [[NME]] called her: "one to seriously watch."<ref>{{cite book|title=NME|date=27 May 2009}}</ref>

===2010–present===
A book entitled Ninja Tune: ''20 Years of Beats and Pieces'' was released on 12 August 2010, and an exhibition was held at [[Black Dog Publishing]]'s Black Dog Space in London showcasing artwork, design, and photography from the label's 20-year history. A "stunning futurespective"<ref>{{cite book|title=Independent on Sunday|date=19 September 2010}}</ref> compilation album was released on 20 September in two formats – a regular version consisting of two 2-disc volumes, and a limited edition (of 3,500 copies), containing six CDs, six 7" vinyl singles, a hardback copy of the book, a poster, and additional items.<ref>{{cite book|title=Beatport|date=19 August 2010}}</ref> It featured new music from [[Amon Tobin]] (also as [[Two Fingers]]), Roots Manuva, [[The Cinematic Orchestra]], [[Kid Koala]], [[Mr. Scruff]], [[The Bug (musician)|The Bug]], [[King Geedorah]], [[Zomby]], [[Bonobo (musician)|Bonobo]], [[Toddla T]], [[Daedelus (musician)|Daedelus]], [[Dorian Concept]], Floating Points, [[Wagon Christ]], [[cLOUDDEAD]] and many others. It also included new remixes from Switch, [[Autechre]], [[Benga (musician)|Benga]], [[Cut Chemist]], [[Modeselektor]], Roots Manuva, [[Diplo]], [[Gold Panda]], [[Mark Pritchard (music producer)|Mark Pritchard]], [[Rustie]], [[Prefuse 73]], [[808 State]], Joe Goddard, [[King Jammy]], [[The Orb]], [[Micachu]], [[Gaslamp Killer]], [[Kronos Quartet]], [[Digital Mystikz|Mala]], [[El-P]] (and [[El-B]]) and many more. In [[The Independent]]'s "Album of the Week" review, the compilation was deemed "a glorious celebration of Ninja Tune's audio splendor."<ref>{{cite book|title=The Independent|date=18 September 2010}}</ref>

As part of the 20th anniversary, Ninja Tune produced 20 different events around the world. Ninja Tune sold out [[Royal Albert Hall]] in London, with The Cinematic Orchestra, Amon Tobin, and Dorian Concept all presenting a one-off orchestral performance with the [[London Metropolitan Orchestra]] arranged by composer [[Ilan Eshkeri]]. For a separate London event, Ninja also placed a legendary rave in 3 rooms in a car park behind the [[Tate Modern]] with all of their artists in one place for the first time (artists included Coldcut, Mr. Scruff, Roots Manuva, Toddla T, The Bug, Daedelus, Kid Koala, Bonobo, Dj Food + DK, Mark Pritchard, DJ Kentaro, Dorian Concept, XXXchange (Spank Rock), DELS, Floating Points, Jammer, Dark Sky, and Offshore). For the Ninja XX gig in New York, the label's venue (Santos Party House) was shut down unexpectedly, moving the event at the last minute to the Bowery.<ref name="santosparty">{{cite web |author1=BrooklynVegan Staff |title=Santos Party House shut down, Ninja Tune party moving |url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/santos-party-ho-1/ |website=BrooklynVegan |date=29 October 2010 |access-date=5 February 2024}}</ref>

In October 2011, Ninja Tune's massive "Ninja Tune XX" campaign won "Innovative Marketing Campaign of the Year" at the 2011 AIM Awards.<ref>{{cite book|title=Virtual Festivals|date=10 November 2011}}</ref>

It was around this time that Ninja Tune began expanding its roster in an interesting new direction, co-signing underground labels with whom they felt artistically aligned. In February 2010, LA-based producer [[Flying Lotus]], a.k.a. Steven Ellison, announced his Brainfeeder imprint had partnered with Ninja Tune to handle manufacturing, marketing, and distribution for Brainfeeder everywhere outside the US.<ref>{{cite book|title=CMU|date=10 February 2010}}</ref> In April 2010, [[Sheffield]]-born producer and DJ [[Toddla T]] (who had originally arrived at Ninja having produced parts of Roots Manuva's 2008 album, ''[[Slime & Reason]]'', which reached number 22 in the UK Charts<ref>{{cite web|title=Roots Manuva – Slime & Reason|url=http://acharts.us/album/37544|publisher=Acharts.us|access-date=27 May 2014}}</ref>) also signed his Girls Music record label to Ninja Tune for distribution, manufacturing, and marketing,<ref>{{cite book|title=CMU|date=20 April 2010}}</ref> in addition to signing a three-album deal. In June 2012, Ninja announced a partnership with underground artist [[Actress (band)|Actress]] and his [[Werkdiscs|Werkdisc]]s imprint, home to [[Zomby]]'s ''Where Were U in 92?'', Actress's ''Hazyville'', and various records by Lukid and Lone.<ref>{{cite book|title=Fact Magazine|date=26 June 2012}}</ref>

Also in 2010, [[Bonobo (musician)|Bonobo's]] own ''Black Sands'' album marked his fourth full-length. It pushed Bonobo's sound "much more steeped in beat-making, creating deluxe, post-dance soundscapes",<ref>{{cite book|title=Mojo|date=May 2010}}</ref> and achieved worldwide commercial success. In February 2012, Ninja followed up with a remix album, ''Black Sands Remixed'', which featured re-imaginings from producers such as Lapalux, [[Mark Pritchard (music producer)|Mark Pritchard]], [[Machinedrum]] and [[FaltyDL]].

A couple of months before, in November 2011, New York producer [[FaltyDL]] had made his debut on the Ninja roster with his ''Atlantis'' EP, a "smoother and shuffler"<ref>{{cite book|title=Resident Advisor|date=11 November 2011}}</ref> ride than most of his earlier work. His work for Ninja was deemed "calm and focused, a trend that continued on his third album",<ref>{{cite book|title=Resident Advisor|date=22 January 2012}}</ref> ''Hardcourage'', released in January 2012. Ruth Saxelby with Pitchfork said the album was "sure-footed and big-hearted, accessible and yet cerebral."<ref name="Saxelby">{{cite web |last1=Saxelby |first1=Ruth |title=FaltyDL: Hardcourage |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/17556-hardcourage/ |website=Pitchfork |access-date=22 January 2024}}</ref>

[[Jaga Jazzist]] returned in 2010 with their strongest release to date, ''One-Armed Bandit'', which featured new members within Jaga Jazzist's ranks and included "tropical polyrhythms, modernist patterns, and even techno-inspired synth sequences."<ref name="Howe"/>

Another release that pushed Ninja to new sonic territories came from London-based artist Floating Points at the end of 2010 with 'Post Suite / Almost in Profile'. The Floating Points Ensemble is an instrumental ensemble headed by himself on Fender [[Rhodes]] and Sequential Circuits Pro One and Prophet keyboards.<ref>{{cite book|title=Resident Advisor|date=16 February 2011}}</ref> The double A-side 10" vinyl single featured two tracks by the full Ensemble, recorded and mixed at [[Abbey Road Studios]] for the Ninja Tune XX twentieth anniversary celebration.

In 2010, a sound designer<ref name="Resident Advisor">{{cite book|title=Resident Advisor|date=10 June 2013}}</ref> from Berlin (by way of Bristol), [[Emika]], brought a new sound to the label, with her melodic, R&B tinged bass-heavy 'Double Edge.' Her self-titled debut was later released in 2011, Billboard said that Emika came close to "bridging the minimalist menace" of Bristol dubstep to " breathy accessible vocals and classical piano."<ref name="Weiss2011">{{cite web |last1=Weiss |first1=Jeff |title=Emika: Emika |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/16114-emika-emika/ |website=Pitchfork |access-date=5 February 2024 |date=8 December 2011}}</ref> On her 2013 follow-up, 'DVA,' Emika shifted her song writing style, focusing on political and personal themes.<ref name="Resident Advisor"/>

In March 2011, another exploratory bass cadet – [[Dorian Concept]] – released his first Ninja EP, ''Her Tears Taste Like Pears''. It proved to be a "solid example of the kind of genius Concept, himself something of a child piano prodigy, is capable of."<ref>{{cite book|title=Sonic Router|date=28 March 2011}}</ref>

The following May saw the release of a much-awaited album from [[Amon Tobin]], ''[[ISAM]]'', which set a new benchmark for live electronic music.<ref>{{cite news|title=The Times|year=2011}}</ref> Tobin decided to step away from previous DJ centric performances, and instead provided a large-scale live audio/visual experience to select cities around the world. Developed alongside V Squared Labs, Leviathan, Vello Virkhaus & Matt Daly, Alex Lazarus, Vitamotus Design Studio, and Stefano Novelli, the show featured a 25' x 14' x 8' multi-dimensional/ shape shifting [[3D computer graphics|3D]] art installation surrounding Tobin and enveloping him and the audience in a 3D experience. Tobin conceptualized the show as a projection-mapped "visual score" to the music from ''ISAM''. The show completed a sold-out 15-show run through US and Canada, in addition to five sold-out UK/EU shows. In 2012, ISAM Live returned with a larger tour, starting at Coachella and traveling to [[Sydney Opera House]], London's [[Brixton Academy]], New York's [[Hammerstein Ballroom]], [[Greek Theatre (Los Angeles)|Greek Theatre]] (Los Angeles), Sonar (Barcelona), as well as full European and US tours throughout summer and fall. In May 2012, Ninja Tune released an Amon Tobin box set (7 × CD, 2 × DVD, 6 × Vinyl, 10").

At the beginning of 2012, Speech Debelle returned to Big Dada, after much critical speculation about leaving the label. She returned from her Mercury Prize win to release another critically acclaimed album, 'Freedom of Speech.' According to Scottish magazine The Skinny, this album had "a verve and vigor that more than justify the early hype."<ref>{{cite book|title=The Skinny|date=25 January 2012}}</ref> The "refreshingly outspoken"<ref>{{cite news|title=The Guardian|date=12 February 2012}}</ref> album went on to "trounce all expectations"<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite news|title=London Evening Standard|date=10 February 2012}}</ref> and was awarded CD of the week by Evening Standard.<ref name="autogenerated1"/>

In 2009, Ninja's longest-serving artist, DJ Food a.k.a. Strictly Kev, released the 2009 EP 'One Man's Weird Is Another Man's World,' and its 2010 follow-up 'The Shape of Things That Hum' made up two-thirds of a forthcoming album. In January 2012, 'The Search Engine' was released as the first DJ Food album in 11 years. As an album release event, DJ Food created his most ambitious live gig to date:<ref>{{cite book|title=Metro|date=13 January 2012}}</ref> a bespoke AV live show for London's only public planetarium, in conjunction with astronomers from The Royal Observatory Greenwich, using art from The Search Engine, images from Kev's visual archive, plus a wealth of material provided by the astronomers themselves. Kev adapted his content to fit Montreal's Stratosphere in July.

In mid-2012, The Bug announced that after "London Zoo," he set out a new genre and sub-label with Ninja Tune: Acid Ragga. Releasing a set of 7"s,<ref name="Battan">{{cite web |last1=Battan |first1=Carrie |title=The Bug Collaborates With Death Grips, Grouper, Gonjasufi, Hype Williams, Justin Broadrick |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/46318-the-bug-collaborates-with-death-grips-grouper-gonjasufi-hype-williams-justin-broadrick/ |website=Pitchfork |access-date=26 January 2024 |date=26 April 2012}}</ref> in June the first Bug track – "Can't Take This No More" – unleashed featuring the legendary Daddy Freddy, while on the flip "Rise" featured Inga Copeland of Hype Williams. The "Ganja Baby" 7-inch was released shortly afterward, featuring Daddy Freddy, followed by the 2 x 10" Filthy EP featuring rapper Danny Brown and long-time collaborator Flowdan.

In August 2012, London-based band [[The Invisible (band)|The Invisible]] dropped their second album, the "cerebral yet instantly accessible"<ref>{{cite book|title=Clash|date=11 June 2012}}</ref>  'Rispah,' on Ninja Tune, having been recorded in Brighton – with producer [[Richard File]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Ninja Tune announce Rispah album|url=http://www.bangonpr.com/campaigns/press-release/invisible-sign-ninja-tune-announce-rispah-album-11th-june-and-uk-tour-dates|publisher=Bangonpr.com|access-date=16 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029203306/http://www.bangonpr.com/campaigns/press-release/invisible-sign-ninja-tune-announce-rispah-album-11th-june-and-uk-tour-dates|archive-date=29 October 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> The trio's self-titled debut album (produced by [[Matthew Herbert]]) in 2009 was nominated for the Mercury Prize<ref>{{cite news|title=Mercury Prize 2009.|publisher=BBC}}</ref> and selected as critics choice for iTunes album of the year.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Invisible hailed by iTunes as Album of the Year|url=http://accidentalrecords.tumblr.com/post/1013967136/the-invisible-hailed-by-itunes-as-album-of-the|publisher=Accidentalrecords.tumblr.com|access-date=16 May 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629161155/http://accidentalrecords.tumblr.com/post/1013967136/the-invisible-hailed-by-itunes-as-album-of-the|archive-date=29 June 2015}}</ref> The band's tongue-in-cheek definition of their style of music is 'Experimental Genre-Spanning Spacepop'.

In 2012, Ninja Tune also struck a deal with the game developer [[United Front Games]] and their publisher [[Square Enix]] for their game ''[[Sleeping Dogs (video game)|Sleeping Dogs]]''. Ninja Tune was featured as an in-game radio channel available to the player during gameplay, one of the ten total. The station featured a select group of works by the real-life Ninja Tune record and their then-artist lineup, including works by Bonobo, Lorn, Emika, Stateless, Two Fingers, and Cinematic Orchestra among others, for a total of 18 tracks.

Ninja Tune scored well at [[Gilles Peterson#Worldwide Awards|Gilles Peterson's Worldwide Awards]] 2013, with [[Brainfeeder]] winning "Label of the Year" – and Ninja Tune scoring 2nd – with the public vote. Invisible's ''Rispah'' also won Album of the Year.<ref>{{cite book|title=Gilles Peterson Worldwide|date=20 January 2013}}</ref>

In typical pioneering fashion, in February 2013, Ninja Tune spearheaded the launch of Beat Delete – a new service for out-of-press vinyl. The demise of [[Sony DADC]] warehouse in [[Edmonton, London|Edmonton]] (destroyed during the London riots in the summer of 2011), left many independent labels ravaged. Ninja Tune launched a website Beat Delete as a pledge scheme enabling fans to partially fund the release of rare collectibles.<ref>{{cite book|title=Clash|date=18 February 2013}}</ref>

In April 2013, Coldcut released Ninja Jamm, an [[iOS]] music remix [[Application software|app]], in collaboration with London-based arts and technology firm Seeper. Geared toward both casual listeners and more experienced DJs and music producers, the freemium app allows users to download and remix "Tunepacks" that feature original tracks and mixes by Coldcut, as well as other Ninja artists,<ref>{{cite book|title=The Verge|date=11 April 2013}}</ref> creating something new altogether.<ref>{{cite book|title=Digital DJ Tips|date=29 April 2013}}</ref> With what Billboard called the "intuitive yet deep" remixer,<ref name="Downs">{{cite magazine |last1=Downs |first1=David |title=Kick Out The Jamms With Seeper's Remix App |magazine=Billboard |date=25 May 2013 |volume=125 |issue=20 |page=35 |url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=87910788&site=ehost-live |access-date=5 February 2024}}</ref> users can turn instruments on and off, swap between clips, add glitches and effects, trigger and pitch-bend stabs and one-off samples, and change the tempo of the track instantly. Users can additionally record as they mix and instantly upload to [[SoundCloud]] or save the mixes locally.<ref>{{cite book|title=Create Digital Music|date=11 April 2013}}</ref> Tunepack releases for Ninja Jamm are increasingly synchronized with Ninja Tune releases on conventional formats. To date over 20 tune packs have been released, including [[Amon Tobin]], [[Bonobo]], [[Coldcut]], [[DJ Food]], [[Martyn (musician)|Martyn]], [[Emika]], [[Machinedrum]], [[Raffertie]], [[Mixmaster Morris|Irresistible Force]], [[FaltyDL|Falty DL]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ninjatune.net/artist/shuttle#.UymUAVF_s-g |title=Shuttle / Artists / Ninja Tune |publisher=Ninjatune.net |date=16 June 2011 |access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ninjatune.net/artist/starkey#.UymUJlF_s-g |title=Starkey / Artists / Ninja Tune |publisher=Ninjatune.net |access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref>

In March 2013, Bonobo unleashed his highly anticipated follow-up to ''Black Sands'', the triumphant and revelatory<ref>{{cite book|title=Clash|date=26 March 2013}}</ref> ''The North Borders''. Hailed as being sumptuous and accomplished,<ref>{{cite book|title=Resident Advisor|date=10 April 2013}}</ref> the album featured [[Erykah Badu]], Motion Audio artist Grey Reverend, British singer Szjerdene and Swedish singer-songwriter Cornelia. Visual artist [[Cyriak]]'s video for Bonobo's "Cirrus" was a cascading visual mantra<ref>{{cite book|title=Creators Project|date=28 January 2013}}</ref> that hit over 1 million views. The album charted at number 29 on the UK Album Charts.<ref>{{cite web|title=Global Trend News|url=http://globaltrendnews.com/bonobo-north-borders-tour-hits-states-usa/|publisher=Globaltrendnews.com|access-date=27 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140322035619/http://globaltrendnews.com/bonobo-north-borders-tour-hits-states-usa/|archive-date=22 March 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> The following November, Bonobo released his contribution to the ''[[Late Night Tales: Bonobo|Late Night Tales]]'' [[Late Night Tales|series]] with a 21-track selection, which Bonobo described as ranging "from neo-classical to more abstract electronic pieces to spiritual jazz." Bonobo's popularity in the live spectrum continues to grow, having sold out a [[UNSW Venues#The Roundhouse|Roundhouse]] Ninja Tune festival in 2013 and [[Sydney Opera House]]. He has a live performance scheduled at [[Alexandra Palace]] in November 2014.

Another popular Ninja Tune artist, [[Travis Stewart]], a.k.a. NYC/Berlin artist [[Machinedrum]] signed up with the label in 2013, first releasing ''Eyesdontlie'' that July, a single which [[XLR8R]] donned "quite possibly deeper and more ambitious than anything we've heard from Stewart to date."<ref>{{cite web |last1=Truss |first1=Si |title=Machinedrum "Eyesdontlie" |url=https://xlr8r.com/reviews/eyesdontlie/ |website=XLR8R |access-date=5 February 2024 |date=31 July 2013}}</ref> After releasing a second 12" ("Gunshotta Ave") the following month, Machinedrum released his full LP ''[[Vapor City]]'' at the end of September 2013. With Pitchfork calling the album "visceral,"<ref name="Patrin2013">{{cite web |last1=Patrin |first1=Nate |title=Machinedrum: Vapor City |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/18513-machine-drum-vapor-city/ |website=Pitchfork |access-date=26 January 2024 |date=1 October 2013}}</ref> it is n album about an imaginary metropolis,<ref>{{cite book|title=Resident Advisor|date=11 October 2013}}</ref> ''Vapor City'' received much acclaim from critics and DJs alike, even landing three live performances on the [[Boiler Room (music project)|Boiler Room]] (New York, Berlin, and London). Machinedrum claimed it was his biggest and boldest project to date.<ref>{{cite book|title=Mixmag|date=18 December 2013}}</ref>

In January 2014, Big Dada released a deluxe European edition of [[Killer Mike]] and [[El-P]]'s [[Run the Jewels (album)|Run the Jewels]] album, featuring new artwork, a new colour vinyl LP + 12" release plus deluxe CD and download editions.

Ninja Tune also released [[Actress (band)|Actress]]' fourth album, ''Ghettoville'' in January 2014.<ref name="Qmagazine">{{cite journal |title=Ghettoville |issue=331 |journal=Q Magazine |date=Feb 2014 |page=110}}</ref> The exquisite<ref>{{cite book|title=Spin|date=24 January 2014}}</ref>

In April 2014, new Ninja Tune signing [[Kelis]] released a raw soul record entirely produced by [[TV on the Radio]]'s [[Dave Sitek]]. Kelis says of the signing: "I'm really happy to be partnering with Ninja Tune on my new record. This is the album I've wanted to make for a long time."

In May 2014, "UK festival favorite"<ref>{{cite book|title=Resident Advisor|date=17 February 2014}}</ref> [[Mr. Scruff]] released his fifth LP on Ninja Tune, entitled ''Friendly Bacteria''. Meanwhile, [[The Bug (musician)|The Bug]] is continuing his series of "Acid Ragga" singles throughout 2014, leading up to his next full-length later in the year, ''Angels & Devils''. Names that The Bug has worked with on the project (in addition to [[Inga Copeland]] and Daddy Freddy) include [[Death Grips]], Gonjasufi, [[Grouper (musician)|Grouper]], JK Flesh (Godflesh/Jesu), The Spaceape, Flowdan, Warrior Queen and Earth's Dylan Carlson.

On 2 November 2014, Young Fathers' "Dead" entered the official Top 100 UK album chart for the first time, four days after their Mercury success, debuting at 35.

On 30 October 2015, [[Big Dada]]'s [[Roots Manuva]] released his 9th studio album entitled ''[[Bleeds (Roots Manuva album)|Bleeds]]'', receiving positive reviews in most publications, currently holding an 80% score on [[Metacritic]].<ref>{{Metacritic album |title=Bleeds by Roots Manuva |accessdate=8 January 2017|qid=Q21427142}}.</ref>

[[Kamasi Washington]] debut solo recording, ''[[The Epic (album)|The Epic]]'', was released in May 2015 via [[Flying Lotus]]' [[Brainfeeder]] to critical acclaim.<ref name=pitchfork>{{cite web |last1=Colter Walls |first1=Seth |title=Kamasi Washington: The Epic |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/20557-the-epic/ |website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]] |access-date=8 May 2015 |date=8 May 2015}}</ref> It appeared on numerous 'Best of 2015' lists, including publications such as [[NPR Music]], [[The Guardian]], [[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]], [[Vice Media|Vice]]'s [[Noisey]], [[Mojo Press|MOJO]], [[Uncut (magazine)|Uncut]], [[Rolling Stone]] and many more.<ref name="Album of The Year">{{cite web |title=Kamasi Washington: The Epic |url=https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/32329-kamasi-washington-the-epic/critic-lists/ |website=[[Album of The Year]]: Music Reviews, Ratings, Charts, News |access-date=22 August 2018 |date=8 May 2015}}</ref>

[[Bonobo]] released his sixth album, ''[[Migration (Bonobo album)|Migration]]'', in January 2017.<ref name="pitchfork.com">{{cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/69522-bonobo-announces-new-album-migration-shares-video-for-new-song-kerala-watch/ |title=Bonobo Announces New Album "Migration", Shares Video for New Song "Kerala" |work=Pitchfork |date=3 November 2016 |access-date=9 December 2016}}</ref> It was announced on 3 November 2016 with the release of the single "Kerala" and an official video.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0Q4gqBUs7c  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/S0Q4gqBUs7c| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=Bonobo: Kerala |author=Bonobo Official |date=3 November 2016 |access-date=9 December 2016 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The official video for the single is directed by Bison ([[Jon Hopkins]]/[[London Grammar]]/[[Rosie Lowe]]), featuring lead [[Gemma Arterton]] (''[[Quantum of Solace]]''/''[[Inside No. 9]]'').<ref name="pitchfork.com" /> The album artwork was designed by [[Neil Krug]] ([[Boards of Canada]]/[[Lana Del Rey]]).<ref name="factmag.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.factmag.com/2016/11/03/bonobo-announces-new-album-migration/|title=Bonobo announces new album "Migration", shares first single "Kerala"|work=factmag.com|access-date=9 December 2016|date=3 November 2016}}</ref> The album features [[Nick Murphy (musician)|Nick Murphy]], [[Rhye]], Innov Gnawa and [[Hundred Waters]].<ref name="ninjatune.net">{{cite web|url=http://ninjatune.net/news/bonobo-announces-new-album-migration-shares-new-single-kerala-and-2017-tour-dates|title=Bonobo Announces New Album 'Migration', Shares New Single 'Kerala' & 2017 Tour Dates|work=ninjatune.net|access-date=9 December 2016}}</ref><ref name="pitchfork.com" /> The album and the track "Bambro Koyo Ganda" were nominated for the [[60th Annual Grammy Awards]] for Best Dance Recording and Best Dance/Electronic Album.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/news/2018-grammy-awards-complete-winners-list |title=2018 Grammy Awards: Complete Winners List |work=The Recording Academy |date= 27 November 2017|access-date=2 February 2018}}</ref> The album peaked higher in the UK chart (number 5) and in the US (number 59). In 2018, Bonobo's "Migration" album also won Album of the Year at the 2017 [[Electronic Music Awards]] and Bonobo was also nominated for Live Act of the Year.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lists/2017-electronic-music-awards-winners-1041765/item/album-year-1041743|title=Album of the Year – Bonobo, Rufus du Sol, Eric Prydz & More Win 2017 Electronic Music Awards|work=The Hollywood Reporter|access-date=28 May 2018}}</ref> Around the release of the album, Bonobo performed sold-out shows at venues such as [[Brixton Academy]] and [[Alexandra Palace]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/bonobo-gig-review-brixton-academy-tour-dates-migration-album-a7603936.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220621/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/bonobo-gig-review-brixton-academy-tour-dates-migration-album-a7603936.html |archive-date=21 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Bonobo at O2 Academy Brixton, London, gig review: Surely one of the shows of the year |author=David Taylor |date=28 February 2017 |newspaper=The Independent |access-date=22 August 2018}}</ref>

On 19 May 2017, Ninja Tune Founders [[Coldcut]] and [[Adrian Sherwood]] released their collaborative debut album ''Outside The Echo Chamber'' via Ninja imprint Ahead of Our Time. Collaborators that featured on the album included [[Lee "Scratch" Perry]], [[Roots Manuva]], [[Junior Reid]], [[Ce'Cile]], [[Sugar Hill Gang]] alumni Skip McDonald and Doug Wimbish on Guitar and Bass respectively and production from [[Toddla T]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://thevinylfactory.com/news/coldcut-on-u-sound-outside-echo-chamber-box-set/ |title=Coldcut and On-U Sound to release new album Outside The Echo Chamber as 8×7" box set |author=Anton Spice |date=9 March 2017 |publisher=The Vinyl Factory |access-date=7 December 2018}}</ref>

In 2017 Ahead of Our Time released the album ''Stories From Far Away on Piano'' by [[James Heather]], and also released its follow-up in 2022, the album ''Invisible Forces''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-11-02 |title=James Heather - Stories From Far Away on Piano |url=https://headphonecommute.com/2017/11/02/james-heather-stories-from-far-away-on-piano-ahead-of-our-time/ |access-date=2022-06-15 |website=Headphone Commute}}</ref>

After signing to Ninja Tune in 2017, Belfast-based duo [[Bicep (duo)|Bicep]] released their long-awaited debut album ''[[Bicep (Bicep album)|Bicep]]'', which reached the Top 20 of the [[UK Albums Chart|UK Album Charts]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/bicep-mn0002596465/biography|title=Bicep {{!}} Biography & History {{!}} AllMusic|publisher=AllMusic|access-date=7 December 2017}}</ref> and received positive reviews on its release, with support from publications such as [[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]], [[The Guardian]], [[Resident Advisor]] and a cover feature on [[Mixmag]]. They went on to play a sold-out show at London's [[Roundhouse (venue)|Roundhouse]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/music/article/pop-review-bicep-at-the-roundhouse-nw1-3h6h339nj |title=Pop review: Bicep at the Roundhouse, NW1 |author=Ed Potton |date=1 May 2018 |newspaper=[[The Times]] |access-date=22 August 2018}}</ref>

''[[A Moment Apart]]'', [[Odesza]]'s third studio album was released on 8 September 2017 on Ninja Tune imprint Counter Records.<ref name="twitter.com">{{cite tweet|user=odesza|number=874300852198154242|title= Our new album, 'A Moment Apart' is available September 8th. Pre-order at http://odesza.com. We love you all.}}</ref> It reached #3 on the [[Billboard 200|'' Billboard'' 200]] while topping the Top Electronic/Dance Albums Chart.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/odesza/chart-history/tlp/|title=Odesza – A Moment Apart Chart History|magazine=Billboard|access-date=9 January 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7973662/odesza-debuts-no-1-top-dance-electronic-albums|title=Odesza Debuts at No. 1 on Top Dance/Electronic Albums|magazine=Billboard|access-date=9 January 2018}}</ref> It was nominated for [[Best Dance/Electronic Album]], with "Line of Sight" also nominated for [[Best Dance Recording]], at the [[60th Annual Grammy Awards]] in 2018. The duo was also nominated for Producer of the Year at the 2017 [[Electronic Music Awards]].

[[Young Fathers]]' third studio album, ''[[Cocoa Sugar]],'' was announced with the single "In My View" on 17 January 2018. The album was released to critical acclaim on 9 March 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/young-fathers-announce-new-album-cocoa-sugar-share-new-single-view-2221003|title=Young Fathers announce new album 'Cocoa Sugar' and share new single 'In My View'|first=Rhian |last=Daly |date=17 January 2017 |work=[[NME]]|access-date=17 January 2018}}</ref> The album entered the UK Albums Chart at number 28, making it the band's highest-charting album.<ref name="UK">UK Music Charts.</ref> Due to their support of Palestinians through the [[BDS movement]], the band was dropped from the 2018 [[Ruhrtriennale]] line-up.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/01/arts/music/bds-germany-young-fathers.html |title = Unwelcome Sound on Germany's Stages: Musicians Who Boycott Israel|newspaper = The New York Times|date = July 2018|last1 = Eddy|first1 = Melissa|last2 = Marshall|first2 = Alex}}</ref>

[[Berlin]] based South Korean Dj and Producer Peggy Gou released her EP ''Once'' in March 2018, with lead single "It Makes You Forget (Itgehane)", on which she sings in [[Korean language|Korean]], receiving widespread radio play on stations like [[BBC Radio 1]], [[BBC 6 Music]] and more. This earned Peggy a place on the publication [[Dazed]]'s top 100 artists of the year.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dazeddigital.com/projects/article/39713/1/peggy-gou-dj-musician-dazed-100-biography-2018-profile|title=Peggy Gou|first=Aimee |last= Cliff |date=17 March 2018 |work=[[Dazed]]|access-date=22 August 2018}}</ref>

Following the release of the 'Audio Track 5' EP and live performances at the [[Strelka Institute]] (Moscow), [[Barbican Centre]] and the [[Tate Modern]], electronic producer and musician Darren Cunningham AKA Actress and the [[London Contemporary Orchestra]] released a full album of their collaboration on 25 May 2018 entitled 'LAGEOS'.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/may/27/actress-x-london-contemporary-orchestra-lageos-review-intriguing-hybrid|title=Actress x London Contemporary Orchestra: Lageos review|first=Ammar |last= Kalia |date=27 May 2018 |work=The Guardian|location=London|access-date=22 August 2018}}</ref> Originally performed at the [[Barbican]] in February 2016, the project was curated by [[Boiler Room (music project)|Boiler Room]] and [[London Contemporary Orchestra]] with support from [[Arts Council England]] and Ninja Tune.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.residentadvisor.net/reviews/18586|title=Actress and the London Contemporary Orchestra in London|first=Conor|last=McTernan|date=12 February 2016|work=Resident Advisor|access-date=22 August 2018|archive-date=22 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180822213939/https://www.residentadvisor.net/reviews/18586|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In December 2017, Ninja artist [[Helena Hauff]] became the first ever female DJ to be named [[BBC Radio 1]]'s [[Essential Mix]] of the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youredm.com/2017/12/23/helena-hauff-named-first-ever-female-essential-mix-year-winner-bbc-radio-1/|title=First Female Ever Named Winner of Essential Mix of the Year [Listen]|date=23 December 2017|website=Youredm.com|access-date=4 August 2018}}</ref> She was also rated number 1 in [[Crack Magazine]]'s "50 Most Exciting DJs Right Now" 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://crackmagazine.net/article/feature-lists/50-most-exciting-djs-right-now-2017/#number01|title=Helena Hauff|first=Chal |last=Ravens |date=3 August 2017 |work=CRACK|access-date=22 August 2018}}</ref> On 3 August 2018 the Hamburg-based Techno producer and DJ released her album "Qualm." The album currently holds an 82% rating on Metacritic<ref>{{Metacritic album |title=Qualm by Helena Hauff |accessdate=22 August 2018|qid=Q65041253}}.</ref> indicating "Universal acclaim", with five-star write-ups in publications such as [[The Guardian]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/aug/03/helena-hauff-qualm-review-zeitgeist-dj-bends-techno-to-her-will|title=Helena Hauff: Qualm review – zeitgeist DJ bends techno to her will|first=Lauren |last= Martin |date=3 August 2018 |work=The Guardian|location=London|access-date=22 August 2018}}</ref>

The subsidiary label Technicolour released [[Yu Su]]'s ''Watermelon Woman'' EP in 2019.<ref name="Yu Su">{{cite news |last1=Wall |first1=Anna |title=Get to know: Yu Su |url=https://djmag.com/features/get-know-yu-su |access-date=30 June 2022 |work=DJ Mag |date=2 October 2019}}</ref>

==Design==
As the imprint grew, Ninja became an 'anti-corporate' brand, supporting the work of visual artists, filmmakers, and mavericks of all media through running its club nights and helping disseminate the work of its artists across the globe. From its very beginnings, Ninja Tune sought a strong visual identity. This is in part due to Michael Bartalos (whose original logo was a monochrome woodcut of a hooded ninja brandishing his long sword) and Mark Porter, Matt Black's friend from Oxford, Ninja's first art director who defined the logo and overall aesthetic (in addition to creating Ninja's striking yellow and black in-house record bags), and subsequently became Art Director at [[The Guardian]]. It was the arrival of Kevin Foakes as an in-house designer in 1994 that developed the logo to its current international recognition and became largely responsible for some of the label's most iconic artwork. Working as Openmind, Foakes has designed many of Ninja's album sleeves, including memorable covers for [[Amon Tobin]], [[Coldcut]], and [[Funki Porcini]]'s 2002 album ''Fast Asleep''. He's also commissioned acclaimed outside talent for several key projects.

Foakes' Ninja logo has found its way in diverse remix forms onto DJ bags (the "Wax Sack"), cigarette lighters, T-shirts, turntable slip-mats, iPod skins (bearing the slogan "Remember vinyl?"), sunglasses by Japanese company Less Than Human and the label's brand of cigarette rolling papers ("Ninja Skins"). French [[urban vinyl]] specialists Rolito also marketed a Foakes-designed toy Ninja, who came armed with a 3" CD of Ninja Tunes.

Ewan Robertson (a.k.a. Offshore) and Oscar Bauer, were integral co-designers for Ninja Tune or [[Big Dada]], responsible for iconic covers such as Wiley's [[Playtime Is Over (Wiley album)|Playtime Is Over]]'', the [[Roots Manuva]] slime-head for ''[[Slime & Reason]]'' and [[Bonobo (musician)|Bonobo]]'s ''[[Black Sands (album)|Black Sands]]'' triptych.

Some Ninja Tune artists, meanwhile, design their sleeves. One example is [[Mr. Scruff]], whose cartoon illustrations are emblazoned across much of his catalog and merchandise. Another prodigious cartoonist who designs his sleeves is [[Kid Koala]]. Kid Koala's ''Nufonia Must Fall'' graphic novel, published in 2003 by [[ECW Press]] in association with Ninja Tune, 2000 debut album, ''[[Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (album)|Carpal Tunnel Syndrome]]'', and its 2003 follow-up ''[[Some of My Best Friends Are DJs]]'' came accompanied by Koala-illustrated comic books.

Other unique promotional Ninja Tune items include Coldcut's Top Trump-inspired ''Control Cards'', Amon Tobin ear-plugs, Kid Koala-illustrated playing cards, Mr. Scruff-designed jigsaw puzzles, Scruff-branded tins of tuna-in-brine (to promote his 2008 LP ''[[Ninja Tuna]]'', which was available pre-loaded on a tuna-shaped [[USB stick]]), The Heavy and TTC-branded condoms, and plastic travelcard wallets emblazoned with artwork from Big Dada's ''Well Deep'' compilation and Roots Manuva's ''Slime & Reason'' album.

As part of Ninja Tune's 20th Anniversary in 2010, 3500 Ninja Tune XX box sets were released, all housed in limited edition hi-spec packaging designed and conceived by Ninja artwork legend Openmind. In May 2013, golden ticket holders for Bonobo's [[Camden Roundhouse]] gig in London were given a limited edition 12" for Bonobo's "Cirrus", which came in a gatefold plastic cover with "zoetrope" viewer stand and art print, with picture disc art by Cyriak. In January 2014, [[Werkdiscs]] boss [[Actress (musician)|Actress]] released a boxset for a collection of photos presented by Hard Format, which included ''[[Ghettoville (album)|Ghettoville]]'' as vinyl and CD, as well as—for the first time on vinyl—a 2 LP white vinyl edition of ''[[Hazyville]]'' and CD. The box set also contained a 40-page art book, all carefully encased in a black "elephant-skinned" outer box.

[[Bonobo]] has collaborated with art director [[Leif Podhajsky]] and photographer Pelle Crépin to create covers for some of his albums. The cover of his 2010 album ''[[Black Sands (album)|Black Sands]]'' was designed by design studio Oscar & Ewan and features an image taken by Crépin. The three cover photographs form a triptych around [[Derwentwater]] in the [[Lake District]]. They were taken at each point on the map with each view capturing the place of the next photograph and the last photograph capturing the place of the first.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.oscarandewan.se/Bonobo-Black-Sands |title=Archived copy |access-date=7 December 2018 |archive-date=9 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209125235/http://www.oscarandewan.se/Bonobo-Black-Sands |url-status=dead }}</ref> The abstract cover for [[Bonobo]]'s 2013 follow-up album [[The North Borders]] was created by [[Leif Podhajsky]] using a polaroid image of a wave.<ref name="creativereview.co.uk">{{cite web|url=https://www.creativereview.co.uk/making-bonobos-migration-artwork/?nocache=true&adfesuccess=1|work=creativereview.co.uk|access-date=7 December 2018|title=Neil Krug on making the artwork for Bonobo album Migration|date=10 January 2017}}</ref> Podhajsky also provides the artwork for Bonobo's Flashlight EP in 2014, its cover art is a gold [[lava]] effect forming the inside sleeve glimpsed through tiny holes in a dark grey die-cut cover for the vinyl product.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.itsnicethat.com/articles/leif-podhajsky-updates|work=itsnicethat.com|access-date=7 December 2018|title=Great new album artwork from Leif Podhajsky, one of the best around|date=8 January 2015}}</ref> [[Leif Podhajsky]] again collaborated with Ninja Tune on the artwork for [[Kelis]]' 2014 album ''[[Food (Kelis album)|Food]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.itsnicethat.com/articles/leif-podhajsky-kelis|work=itsnicethat.com |access-date=7 December 2018|title=Graphic Design: Leif Podhajsky's latest work for Kelis is a stunning vinyl package |date=15 April 2014 }}</ref>

For the release of [[Bonobo]]'s sixth album ''[[Migration (Bonobo album)|Migration]]'' in January 2017, the album artwork was designed by Neil Krug.<ref name="factmag.com"/> The physical artwork included photography of the [[Mojave Desert]], with Krug capturing footage using a drone. This drone footage would come to form the video for ''Break Apart feat. [[Rhye]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://vimeo.com/219983334|title=Bonobo 'Break Apart feat. Rhye' Official Video|via=Vimeo|access-date=7 December 2018|date=2 June 2017}}</ref> He drove to the desert in the middle of the night to photograph the area just before sunrise, avoiding the sun's intense heat. The shots were then superimposed with various effects such as flames.<ref name="creativereview.co.uk"/> The LP was accompanied by a special edition booklet containing meditations on themes from the album, the deluxe version housed in a gold-embossed PVC sleeve.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thevinylfactory.com/news/bonobo-migration-vinyl-artwork/|title=A closer look at the deluxe vinyl edition of Bonobo's Migration|work=thevinylfactory.com|access-date=7 December 2018|date=13 January 2017}}</ref>

In 2017, Belfast-based duo [[Bicep (duo)|Bicep]] released their debut album ''[[Bicep (Bicep album)|Bicep]]'', with artwork created by design team Royal Studio in partnership with AnaTypes Type, Xesta Studio and Lyft Studio. Photographs of textures were digitally transformed, modulated, coloured, gridded, and gridded over and over again in hundreds of different formations. These arrangements of textures in different colourways were then sent to [[Bicep (duo)|Bicep]], who would select their highlights from each.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eyeondesign.aiga.org/label-focus-ninja-tune-where-design-sound-av-wizardry-remix-consciousness/|work=eyeondesign.aiga.org|access-date=7 December 2018|title=Label Focus: Ninja Tune, Where Design, Sound + AV Wizardry "Remix Consciousness"|date=29 November 2017}}</ref>

The artwork for [[Young Fathers]]' 2018 album ''[[Cocoa Sugar]]'' was created by photographer Noni Julia & creative director [[Tom Hingston]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://neoprisme.com/young-fathers-julia-noni-tom-hingston-cocoa-sugar/|work=neoprisme.com |access-date=7 December 2018|title=Young Fathers x Julia Noni x Tom Hingston – Cocoa Sugar |date=8 April 2018 }}</ref>

== Partnerships ==

===Solid Steel===
Pre-dating Ninja Tune is the radio show [[Solid Steel]], set up by [[Coldcut]] in 1988, and later joined by [[DJ Food]] and DK. What initially began as a [[radio show]] on then-pirate [[Kiss (UK radio station)|Kiss FM]] went on to become a weekly 2-hour mix show broadcast online and syndicated to numerous radio stations around the world, with highlights available as a [[podcast]] on iTunes. Solid Steel is also the name of a series of DJ mix CDs from the label and various club nights showcasing the talents of the Solid Steel DJs and several Ninja Tune artists.

The show, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2013,<ref>{{cite book|title=Fact Magazine|date=6 December 2013}}</ref> showcases a varied blend of left-field tunes, the broadest beats, and forward-thinking selections.<ref name="Time Out">{{cite book|title=Time Out|date=6 November 2008}}</ref> Being a freestyle eclectic mix,<ref name="Time Out"/> the weekly two-hour show was described by [[The Quietus]] as being "the past mashed with the present plus a dash of the future."<ref>{{cite book|title=The Quietus|date=29 November 2013}}</ref>

In addition to [[Solid Steel]], Ninja Tune has conducted regularly [[podcast]] interviews with their roster under the name ''The Ninja Tune Podcast''.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Ninja Tune Podcast |url=https://ninjatune.net/podcast|publisher=NinjaTune.net|access-date=11 July 2018}}</ref>

===Big Dada===
[[Hip hop music|Hip hop]] label [[Big Dada]] was set up by journalist and writer [[Will Ashon]] in 1997.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Sodomsky |first=Sam |date=2021-01-25 |title=Pioneering Hip-Hop Label Big Dada Announces Relaunch |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/pioneering-hip-hop-label-big-dada-announces-relaunch/ |access-date=2023-02-17 |website=Pitchfork}}</ref> Big Dada was created with a similarly open-minded remit to sister label Ninja Tune, traversing the boundaries between hip hop, [[Grime music|grime]] and [[ragga]].<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite book |title=iDJ |date=February 2008}}</ref> Born out of frustration over acts going unappreciated elsewhere, Big Dada swiftly cemented itself as a force in its own right.<ref name="Zzzzzz">{{cite web |last1=Zzzzzz |first1=Zzzzzz |title=Label Focus #11: Big Dada |url=https://drownedinsound.com/in_depth/2506989-label-focus-11--big-dada |website=DrownedInSound |access-date=5 February 2024 |date=19 October 2007}}</ref> The name came up about Ashton's love of [[Kool Keith]], who he had described in print as the "Mac Dada", as a combination of mac daddy and [[Dadaism]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Swash |first=Rosie |date=2009-06-08 |title=Label of love: Big Dada|work=The Guardian|location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/jun/08/label-love-big-dada |access-date=2023-02-17 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref>

Big Dada began releasing 12"'s in the summer of 1997, the first couple of which were produced by [[Luke Vibert]]. The label's debut release, ''Misanthropic'', featured Alpha Prhyme, a.k.a. [[Juice Aleem]], soon to become a member of crew New Flesh for Old, who would release their own ''Electronic Bombardment'' on Big Dada that September. Since then, Big Dada has become home to some of the most maverick, forward-thinking, and innovative artists in hip hop and beyond, including essential<ref>{{cite book|title=Vibe|date=September 2002}}</ref> British hip hop artist [[Roots Manuva]] ([[Mercury Prize]] nominee), Mercury Prize winner [[Speech Debelle]], UK hip hop artist TY (whose 2003 ''Upwards'' album was also Mercury nominated). Roots Manuva's album releases have been integral to the label, including ''[[Brand New Second Hand]]'', ''[[Run Come Save Me]]'', ''[[Awfully Deep]]'', ''[[Slime & Reason]]'' and ''[[4everevolution]]''. Other notable artists include [[Diplo]], [[cLOUDDEAD]], [[Juice Aleem]], [[Dels (musician)|DELS]], [[Young Fathers]] (Mercury Prize Winner 2014), and [[Spank Rock]], with a roster that's as prolific as it is varied. In the words of [[The Guardian]], "Heaven help the music hack who tries to pigeonhole Big Dada's output."<ref name="autogenerated3">{{cite news |date=8 June 2009 |title=The Guardian}}</ref>

In 2021, the label was relaunched as "a label run by Black, POC & Minority Ethnic people for Black, POC & Minority Ethnic artists."<ref name=":0" />

===Brainfeeder===
[[Brainfeeder]] is an independent record label based in Los Angeles, California, founded by [[Warp Records]] recording artist [[Flying Lotus]] in 2008, focusing on electronic music and instrumental hip hop amongst other styles of music.<ref>{{cite web|last=Pescovitz|first=David|title=Brainfeeder's "beat music" scene.|url=http://www.boingboing.net|website=Boingboing.net|access-date=1 July 2011}}</ref>

===Werkdiscs===
Werkdiscs (formerly spelled as Werk Discs)<ref>{{cite web|title=Werkdiscs announce a partnership with Ninja Tune – Juno Plus|url=http://www.junodownload.com/|publisher=Junodownload.com|access-date=27 November 2012|archive-date=27 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121127221517/http://www.junodownload.com/|url-status=dead}}</ref> is a British [[independent record label]] based in London. Originally a club night started by Darren J. Cunningham a.k.a. [[Actress (musician)|Actress]],<ref name="Host">{{cite web |last1=Host |first1=Vivian |title=Labels We Love: Werk Discs |url=https://xlr8r.com/features/labels-we-love-werk-discs/ |website=XLR8R |access-date=22 January 2024 |date=31 August 2009}}</ref> Ben Casey and Gavin Weale in the early 2000s,[11] Werkdiscs released their first record in the summer of 2004.

===Ntone===
[[Ntone]], Ninja Tune's first sister label, debuted in 1994, specializing in avant-garde music and more electronically inclined ambiance.<ref>{{cite book |title=DJ Mag |year=1994}}</ref> [[Animals on Wheels]], [[Cabbageboy]], [[Hexstatic]] and [[Neotropic (band)|Neotropic]] were among the artists on the bill. According to Peter Quicke, Ntone was "for ambient and techno and other stuff that did not quite fit Ninja Tune, but that we liked and did not want to limit ourselves from releasing." The earliest release, ''AntiStatic'' (TONE 1) by Hex in February 1994, and the final, ''Sunflower'' ''Girl'' (NTONE 45) by Neotropic in 2001, were a collision of spacey dub and mellow ambient house.<ref>{{cite book |title=All Music Guide |year=1995}}</ref>

==Notable artists==
{{Main|List of Ninja Tune artists}}

===Ninja Tune: current===
{{Div col|colwidth=16em}}
*[[Actress (musician)|Actress]] <small>(Werkdiscs / Ninja Tune)</small><ref name="Ninja Tune - Artists">{{cite web|url=http://ninjatune.net/artists|title=Ninja Tune – Artists|publisher=Ninjatune.net|access-date=15 July 2011}}</ref>
*[[Amon Tobin]]
*[[Anz (musician)|Anz]] 
*[[Agung Gede]]
*[[Ammoncontact]]
*[[Andreya Triana]]
*[[Ashkan Kooshanejad|Ash Koosha]]
*[[A Winged Victory for the Sullen]]
*[[Barry Can't Swim]]
*[[Ben Böhmer]]
*[[Bicep (duo)|Bicep]]
*[[Black Country, New Road]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/black-country-new-road-sign-to-ninja-tune-and-announce-debut-album|title=Black Country New Road sign to Ninja Tune and announce debut|publisher=The Line of Best Fit}}</ref>
*[[Blockhead (music producer)|Blockhead]]
*[[Bonobo (musician)|Bonobo]]<ref>{{cite magazine | url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/2023-brit-awards-winners-1235252215/ | title=Here Are the 2023 Brit Award Winners (Full List) | magazine=Billboard }}</ref>
*[[Bronson (group)|Bronson]]
*[[Kevin Martin (British musician)|The Bug]]
*[[The Cinematic Orchestra]]
*[[Coldcut]]
*[[Congo Natty]]
*[[Fred Warmsley|Dedekind Cut]]
*[[DJ Food]]
*[[Dorian Concept]]
*[[FaltyDL]]
*[[Fink (singer)|Fink]]
*[[Floating Points]]
*[[Forest Swords]]
*[[Georgia Anne Muldrow]]
*[[Glass Beams]]
*[[The Heavy (band)|The Heavy]] 
*[[Helena Hauff]]
*[[Hiatus Kaiyote]]
*[[Iglooghost]]
*[[India Jordan]]
*[[The Invisible (band)|The Invisible]]
*[[Jaga Jazzist]]
*[[Jameszoo]]
*[[Jayda G]]
*[[Jordan Rakei]]
*[[Julianna Barwick]]
*[[Fred Warmsley|Lee Bannon]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ninjatune.net/artist/lee-bannon#.Uym5EVF_s-g |title=Lee Bannon / Artists / Ninja Tune |publisher=Ninjatune.net |access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref>
*[[Kadhja Bonet]]
*[[Kae Tempest]]
*[[Kamasi Washington]]
*[[Keleketla!]]
*[[Kelis]]
*[[MF Doom|King Geedorah]]
*[[Kevin Martin (British musician)|King Midas Sound]]
*[[Lapalux]]
*[[Leon Vynehall]]
*[[Letherette]]
*[[Little Dragon]]
*[[Lorn (musician)|Lorn]]
*[[Lou Rhodes]]
*[[Louis Cole (musician)|Louis Cole]]
*[[Lukid]]
*[[Machinedrum]]
*[[Maribou State]]
*[[Marie Davidson]]
*[[Martyn (musician)|Martyn]]
*[[Metronomy]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/metronomy-sign-to-ninja-tune-and-share-experimental-new-single-nice-town-3600200 |title= Metronomy sign to Ninja Tune and share experimental new single 'Nice Town' |date= 12 March 2024 |work=NME |access-date=12 March 2024}}</ref>
*[[Modeselektor]]
*[[Mr. Scruff]]
*[[Nabihah Iqbal]]
*[[Nathan Fake]]
*[[Octo Octa]]
*[[Odesza|ODESZA]]
*[[Onyx (hip hop group)|Onyx Collective]]
*[[Peggy Gou]]
*[[Phantoms (duo)|Phantoms]]
*[[Portico Quartet|Portico]]
*[[Róisín Murphy]]
*[[Roots Manuva]]
*[[Ross From Friends]]
*[[Salute (musician)|salute]]
*[[Sampa the Great]] 
*[[Sarathy Korwar]]
*[[Speech Debelle]]
*[[Taylor McFerrin]]
*[[Teebs]]
*[[Thundercat (musician)|Thundercat]]
*[[Tycho (musician)|Tycho]]
*[[yeule]]
*[[Young Fathers]]
{{Div col end}}

===Ninja Tune: alumni===
{{div col|colwidth=16em}}
*[[9 Lazy 9]]
*[[Animals on Wheels]]
*[[Antibalas]]
*[[Si Begg|Cabbageboy]]
*[[Daedelus (musician)|Daedelus]]
*[[The Death Set]]
*[[DJ Kentaro]]
*[[DJ Vadim]]
*[[Dwight Trible]]
*[[Emika]]
*[[Eskmo]]
*[[Funki Porcini]]
*[[Grasscut]]
*[[The Herbaliser]]
*[[Hexstatic]]
*[[Hint (musician)|Hint]]
*[[Jesse Boykins III]] & [[MeLo-X]]
*[[Kelis]]
*[[Kid Koala]]
*[[The Long Lost]]
*[[Portico Quartet|Portico]]
*[[Raffertie]]
*[[Riz Maslen|Neotropic]]
*[[Pest (band)|Pest]]
*[[Ghislain Poirier|Poirier]]
*[[The Qemists]]
*[[Quannum Projects|Quannum]]
*[[Saul Williams]]
*[[Sixtoo]]
*[[Skalpel]]
*[[The Slew]]
*[[Stateless (band)|Stateless]]
*[[Super Numeri]]
*[[Submotion Orchestra]]
*[[Toddla T]]
*[[Up, Bustle and Out]]
*[[Luke Vibert|Wagon Christ]]
*[[Yppah]]
*[[Zero dB]]
{{div col end}}

===Big Dada: current===
* [[Busdriver]]
* [[Rebel MC|Congo Natty]]
* [[Dels]]
* [[Kae Tempest]]
* [[Roots Manuva]]
* [[Young Fathers]]

===Big Dada: alumni===
{{Div col|colwidth=16em}}
*[[Antipop Consortium]]
*[[Cadence Weapon]]
*[[Clouddead]]
*[[Diplo]]
*[[Dobie (musician)|Dobie]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ninjatune.net/artist/dobie#.Uym8YlF_s-g |title=Dobie / Artists / Ninja Tune |publisher=Ninjatune.net |access-date=16 May 2015}}</ref> 
*[[Juice Aleem]]
*[[K-the-I???]]
*[[MF Doom|King Geedorah]]
*[[Bigg Jus]]
*[[Spank Rock]]
*[[Speech Debelle]]
*[[Thavius Beck]]
*[[Thunderheist]]
*[[TTC (band)|TTC]]
*[[Ty (rapper)|Ty]]
{{Div col end}}

==See also==
*[[Lists of record labels]]
*[[List of electronic music record labels]]
*[[List of independent UK record labels]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

===Works cited===
* {{cite book |last1=Ackerman |first1=Marianne |title=Minority Report: An Alternative History of English-language Arts in Quebec |date=2011 |publisher=Guernica Editions |isbn=978-1-55071-355-8 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=T_G1BDuw_BQC}}
* {{cite book |last1=Bogdanov |first1=Vladimir |last2=Woodstra |first2=Chris |last3=Bush |first3=John |last4=Erlewine |first4=Stephen Thomas |title=All Music Guide to Electronica: The Definitive Guide to Electronic Music |date=2001 |publisher=Backbeat Books |isbn=978-0-87930-628-1 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aLxivgAACAAJ}}
* {{cite book |last1=Bogdanov |first1=Vladimir |title=All Music Guide to Hip-hop: The Definitive Guide to Rap & Hip-hop |date=2003 |publisher=Backbeat Books |isbn=978-0-87930-759-2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gCfWwAEACAAJ}}
* {{cite book |last1=Larkin |first1=Colin |title=The Virgin Encyclopedia of Nineties Music |date=2000 |publisher=Virgin |isbn=978-0-7535-0427-7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=crs7AQAAIAAJ&q=ninja%20tune%20jazz }}
* {{cite book |last1=Martiny |first1=Erik |title=A Companion to Poetic Genre |date=13 October 2011 |publisher=John Wiley & Sons |isbn=978-1-4443-4429-5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PQyK47Eb9RAC }}
* {{cite book |last1=Reynolds |first1=Simon |title=Energy Flash: A Journey Through Rave Music and Dance Culture |date=1998 |publisher=Picador |isbn=978-0-330-35056-3 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kKCBQgAACAAJ}}
* {{cite book |last1=Meikle |first1=Graham |editor1-last=Boler |editor1-first=Megan |title=Digital Media and Democracy: Tactics in Hard Times |date=2008 |publisher=MIT Press |isbn=978-0-262-51489-7 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4bv-eeLkG6YC}}
* {{cite book |last1=Shapiro |first1=Peter |title=Drum 'n' Bass: The Rough Guide |date=1999 |publisher=Rough Guides |isbn=978-1-85828-433-0 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IxEpAyPvyXoC |access-date=22 January 2024}}
* {{cite book |last1=Verweire |first1=Kurt |last2=Berghe |first2=Lutgart |title=Integrated Performance Management: A Guide to Strategy Implementation |date=23 December 2004 |publisher=SAGE |isbn=978-1-4129-0155-0 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=q8f62nWP_cMC}}

==External links==
*{{official website|http://www.ninjatune.net|Ninja Tune}} – official site
*{{Discogs label}}
*[http://www.pingpong.fr Ping Pong] – promotion agency of Ninja Tune in France
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20120308113157/http://ripitup.co.nz/contentitem/feature-ninja-tune-20-years-of-beats-n-pieces/646 Ninja Tune] feature in Rip It Up Magazine
*[http://www.djouls.com/ninjatune Ninja Tune] discography & review at Djouls.com (Fr)
*[https://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/collective/A875586 Ninja Tune] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112034631/http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/collective/A875586 |date=12 November 2012 }} reviews by the [[BBC]]

{{Ninja Tune}}
{{Coldcut}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Ninja Tune| ]]
[[Category:British independent record labels]]
[[Category:Record labels established in 1990]]
[[Category:English electronic dance music record labels]]
[[Category:Drum and bass record labels]]
[[Category:Electronic music record labels]]
[[Category:Experimental music record labels]]
[[Category:Hip-hop record labels]]
[[Category:British hip-hop record labels]]
[[Category:1990 establishments in England]]