Drum & Bass Pioneer Lenzman Dies Following Long Cancer Battle

Lenzman | Credit: Earth Agency

The drum & bass community is mourning the loss of Dutch producer, DJ and label founder Lenzman, who has died following a three-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. He was 47 years old.

Born Teije van Vliet, Lenzman became one of the defining figures in soulful drum & bass over the past two decades, earning widespread respect for his emotionally rich productions and meticulous approach to the genre. His family confirmed that he passed away on Saturday, 11th July, after a long fight with kidney cancer, which was first diagnosed in January 2023.

Following his diagnosis, Lenzman underwent surgery to remove a kidney before later requiring emergency brain surgery after the cancer spread. Despite multiple setbacks and further treatment, he continued making music, running his label and performing whenever his health allowed. Earlier this year, it was confirmed that treatment had come to an end, prompting a series of fundraising events organised by the drum & bass community to support him and his family.

Lenzman first rose to prominence through releases on Goldie's legendary Metalheadz imprint, where his 2014 album ‘Looking At The Stars’ established him as one of the genre's leading melodic voices. In 2016, he launched his own label, The North Quarter, which quickly became one of the most respected homes for soulful drum & bass, championing artists including Redeyes, Tokyo Prose and FD while helping shape a new generation of producers.

His influence extended far beyond his own catalogue. Known for blending liquid drum & bass with elements of jungle, hip hop and soul, Lenzman's productions earned admiration from artists across the electronic music spectrum, while his label became synonymous with thoughtful, musical drum & bass that prioritised emotion alongside dancefloor impact.

Tributes have poured in from across the global drum & bass community, with artists, labels and fans remembering not only his contribution to the music but also his generosity, warmth and commitment to supporting emerging talent.