Born Karl Francis in 1974 in Brixton, South London, Dillinja is one of the most influential and innovative producers in the history of drum & bass. He began his journey into music in the early 1990s, inspired by the sounds of reggae, soul, and the burgeoning rave scene. By his late teens, he was already forging a reputation with rough, bass-heavy, and intricately crafted tracks on labels such as Cybotron, Logic, and Deadly Vinyl.

Self-taught and fiercely independent, Dillinja’s relentless work ethic saw him build his own Valve Sound System—a custom-built, ground-shaking rig celebrated for its sheer power and clarity, cementing his reputation not just as a producer but as a sound system pioneer. In the mid-90s, he collaborated with Lemon D to found Valve Recordings, which became a vital hub for groundbreaking drum & bass releases. Dillinja’s discography includes seminal tracks such as "The Angels Fell," "Twist ‘Em Out," "In The Grind," and "Grimey," which helped shape the sonic blueprint of drum & bass with their combination of deep sub-bass, razor-sharp beats, and innovative production techniques.

His music’s distinct energy and unmistakable sound have influenced countless artists and continue to ignite dancefloors worldwide. Known for his dedication to the roots of the genre while constantly pushing its boundaries, Dillinja remains an active producer, performer, and vital force in electronic music, celebrated not just for his technical prowess but for his enduring impact on jungle and drum & bass culture across decades.