In 1985, while working as an electrician and courier, Nelson obtained his first turntables and started playing hip-hop and house. He then founded a pirate radio station named "Raw FM" in London's East End, and in 1989 began his professional DJ career as DJ for the Raindance rave event. His first music production was in 1989 where Slipmatt collaborated with DJ Lime forming SL2. The single "Do That Dance", was released in that same year. This was followed by the number 11 UK chart hit "DJs Take Control" / "Way in My Brain". The follow-up single, "On a Ragga Tip", reached number 2 in the UK Singles Chart in April 1992. As a result of their chart success, the band were propelled into the media spotlight and made appearances on "Top of the Pops" and other television shows. SL2's chart success continued with a remix of "Way in My Brain", which made the top twenty in the UK chart.