Major Lazer, the genre-breaking, multi-platinum and diamond-certified juggernaut founded by Diplo, has returned with their new track “Gangsta,” featuring dancehall-reggae superstar Busy Signal and Basshall movement pioneer Kybba. The multi-platinum group also welcomes British-Jamaican artist America Foster as their newest member.
A New Chapter Begins
The release of “Gangsta” marks a significant moment for the group, serving as the long-awaited follow-up to their 2013 cult classic “Watch Out for This (Bumaye),” which also featured Busy Signal. This latest collaboration brings together the Italy-raised, Amsterdam-based DJ/producer Kybba, known for spearheading the Basshall movement, creating a bridge between the group’s impressive past and exciting future.
Major Lazer’s return also comes with a major announcement: British-Jamaican breakout artist America Foster has joined the legendary EDM group. Foster, an artist and all-around performer whose distinctive style and authentic voice caught Diplo‘s attention, collaborated with the founder in Jamaica before officially becoming part of the lineup. She joins Diplo and longtime members Walshy Fire and Ape Drums in this latest iteration of the group.
Coming back out now with America and Busy Signal feels like starting a new chapter
while revisiting an old one. Now, more than a decade later, we’re starting another journey
with America joining the group. It’s amazing how much she complements the dynamic
we’ve already established with Walshy and Ape Drums.” – Diplo.
While America doesn’t appear vocally on “Gangsta,” Diplo promises fans won’t have to wait long to hear her on new music coming soon.
Taking It to the Streets
Major Lazer has been teasing “Gangsta” alongside many other new material at shows around the world this summer. The group made waves at this week’s Notting Hill Carnival in London, performing at ShyFX’s Soundsystem for their first shows in the city in more than a decade. They also appeared at Fête de la Musique in Paris this past June, reminding audiences why they remain one of dance music’s most electrifying live acts.
The momentum continues with Major Lazer Block Party performances in Brussels on August 28th at Grand Place and Amsterdam on August 29th at LoFi Courtyard, followed by a headline set at Goldrush Music Festival in Chandler, Arizona on September 13th.
A Legacy of Global Domination
Founded to celebrate Diplo‘s lifelong love of Caribbean music and for experimentation, Major Lazer has evolved into one of the most successful groups of all time. Major Lazer has dominated charts worldwide with massive nostalgic hits including the diamond-certified “Lean On (featuring MØ and DJ Snake),” 4x platinum-certified “Cold Water (featuring Justin Bieber and MØ),” and 2x platinum-certified “Light It Up (featuring Nyla).”
Throughout their career, Major Lazer has collaborated with an impressive roster of artists including Beyoncé, J Balvin, Nicki Minaj, WizKid, El Alfa, Burna Boy, Travis Scott, and Ariana Grande, among many others. As a live juggernaut, the group has blown minds on tour and at festivals around the world for more than 15 years.
In 2024, Major Lazer celebrated the 15th anniversary of their seminal 2009 debut album, Guns Don’t Kill People…Lazers Do, a milestone that underscored their lasting impact on electronic and dance music.
With “Gangsta” now available and more music promised on the horizon, Major Lazer’s return signals an exciting new era for the boundary-shifting collective.Their signature genre-blending sound suggests the group’s next chapter may be their most ambitious yet.
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