wicked, wicked, junglist massive
As a kid growing up in India in the 90s, I had no idea about the thriving jungle scene happening in the UK. All I knew was that the breakbeat-heavy, bass-heavy tracks I found in my dad's cassette collection got me hyped in a way nothing else did.
Songs like "Incredible" by M Beat feat. General Levy and "Original Nuttah" by Shy FX & UK Apache blew my young mind. The energy and vibes they created were unlike anything in the commercial pop I was otherwise exposed to. There was an edginess and rawness to the jungle that really appealed to me.
Another artist I vividly remember my dad jamming to back then was Apache Indian - he blended reggae with bhangra uniquely. Even as a kid, I sensed something deeper beyond those beats and sounds.
Many years later, I got into music production in my early 20s -- that's when I really started diving back into those old jungle classics to analyze what made them tick. Revisiting them with fresh ears revealed layers of complexity I hadn't grasped as a child. I developed a new appreciation for the intricate breakbeat science, bass sculpting mastery, and overall vibe crafted by the early jungle pioneers.
It's been amazing to see how Jungle or DnB has endured and evolved over the past thirty years. Despite living halfway around the world, I've found myself part of the junglist movement. This unique UK sound appeals to listeners worldwide who seek forward-thinking bass music blended with a rebellious spirit. Even though I'm more inclined to Neurofunk nowadays, those old tracks will always be in my rude bwoii playlist.