Datsik, the alias of Canadian dubstep producer Troy Beetles, transitioned from hip-hop production to dubstep after a fortuitous meeting with Excision at the Shambhala Electronic Music Festival in 2008. His early works, labeled as "robostep," featured hard-hitting drum patterns and growling basslines. Datsik's debut release came in 2009 on Smog Records, followed by collaborations with Excision and multiple releases on Rottun Recordings and Basshead Productions. He signed with Dim Mak Records in 2011, releasing his debut album "Vitamin D" in 2012, which included collaborations with artists like Korn's Jonathan Davis and Infected Mushroom.

In 2012, Datsik founded his own label, Firepower Records, which showcased tracks by emerging electronic artists. His Cold Blooded EP was released in early 2013, followed by his second album "Let It Burn" later that year. Datsik's focus shifted to managing his label and touring schedule, with sporadic releases such as the single "The Blastaz" in 2015 with Barely Alive. Subsequent EPs like "Darkstar" in 2016, featuring guest appearances from Trinidad James and Travis Barker, and "Sensei" at the end of the year showcased his continued evolution within the dubstep genre.