1990s UK was a place of innovation, pivoting into a new age of art, digital technology and economic regrowth.
It was also the birthplace to something so phenomenal, so memorable, so fantastic that it started a new wave in the music world… that creation was Jungle.
Jungle music is the fast-paced chopped mix of music people still love today.
Pioneered by artist like Lennie De Ice and Rebel MC, Jungle’s roots began as a mix of rave music, breakbeat culture all mixed with reggae vocals. Early 1990s producers would use devices for example the Fatman HI-FI or the King Tubby’s sounds systems all with Jamaican and Caribbean origins. The ‘Breakbeat’ sound is a style that departs from the common 4/4 beat method at that time.
One of the most notorious early 90s Jungle songs was “We are I.E.” By Lennie De Ice. This track used the famous and widely considered most sampled drum loop in history, called “Amen Break.” This sample came from an American soul record called “Amen, Brother” by the Winston’s. “We Are I.E.” paved the way for other Jungle artists to use reggae vocals, hip-hop beats and showcased UK sound-system experimentation: a brilliant union.
Originally found almost exclusively in the southern parts of England, played on pirate radio stations, it was mainly underground raves and underground record dealers who showcased and sold Jungle. It was the mid 90s when Jungle become worldwide. Music like “Original Nuttah” by Shy FX and UK Apache, “Valley of Shadows” by Origin Unknown and “The Burial” by Leviticus were released with each song fuelling the fire of love for Jungle.
Jungle in the 1980s-90s was an cornerstone of UK culture and music, it gave way to a new fan base for high BPM loving, dirty bassline craving Junglists and even today Jungle music is always evolving and always growing.
Jungle is (always) MASSIVE!
By Harry
Priory Ruskin Academy