From 1995 to 2006, Substance brought a mix of international Hip Hop talent, live improvisation and some of the world’s best DJs to venues in the UK’s second city, Birmingham, and later London. During those years the Substance stage played host to the likes of Grand Master Flash, DJ Premier, KRS One, Masta Ace, Jeru the Damaja, Souls of Mischief, The Pharcyde, DJ Cash Money, Maseo of De La Soul, TY, Roots Manuva, Blak Twang, Soweto Kinch, and Waajeed. Associated projects with which the night has been involved include live broadcasts on BBC Radio 1 & Radio 1Xtra, the UK DMC Championships, and an album project for independent label Different Drummer.