The Underdogg is the title of DJ Tre’s debut EP for Hyperdub. He had two brilliant tracks featured on our DJ Rashad tribute compilation Next Life, but compared to other longterm members of the Teklife footwork crew, he hasn’t released much, so we’re very happy to bring him out to play again here. Tre has been about since the early days, born and raised on the South Side of Chicago. Encouraged by the late DJ Rashad and his partner DJ Spinn, he has been making tracks since 1999, over a decade before footwork’s ascent to global popularity. On this EP his sound, for the most part is rooted in the speedy 4/4 of juke. It features a sparse and minimalist take on footwork but he’s got a knack of adding in tight little switches and details that keep the tracks moving as essential dance floor weapons.