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drum and base

The Bassline & the Beats: A History of Drum & Bass

From Ragga to Rave: The Origins

Drum & Bass, a genre born in the early 90s, wasn’t a sudden explosion. It was a fusion, a meeting of minds (and speakers) between the rhythmic fire of Jamaican ragga and the breakneck speed of early rave music. DJs like Goldie, a former breakdancer, recognized the potential, blending the two styles into a powerful new sound.

The Golden Age: 1992-1996

This period was a whirlwind of creativity. Tracks like “Inner City Life” by Goldie and “Charcoal Grill” by LTJ Bukem set the scene for a genre that wasn’t afraid to explore its emotional depths. It wasn’t all serious though: Remember Goldie’s “Angel” with its lyrics about “your mother’s a raver”? That’s a testament to the playful spirit of the time.

Jungle: The Roots Run Deep

Drum & Bass’s earlier incarnation, “jungle,” was a wild, raucous beast. With breakbeats pushing the BPMs into the stratosphere, it was the sound of a generation on the move. Tracks like “The Bells” by LTJ Bukem (a name that, by the way, stands for “Long Time Journey Through Bukem”) and “The 4 Hero” by 4 Hero laid the foundations for what was to come.

The Dark Side: The Evolution of the Sound

Drum & Bass continued to evolve, with new subgenres like “intelligent drum & bass” and “liquid funk” offering a more mellow, atmospheric experience. Tracks by artists like Photek and Roni Size pushed the boundaries, showcasing the genre’s versatility. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing – some tracks were criticized for their “dark” and “intense” nature, evoking images of late-night raves and hidden underground scenes.

The Legacy: A Genre That Never Sleeps

Today, drum & bass remains a vibrant force. With a global community of artists, DJs, and producers, the genre continues to evolve and innovate. From the UK’s pioneering scene to the global reach of artists like Pendulum, the legacy of drum & bass is strong and the future bright.

Funny Facts:

  • Goldie, the breakdancing CEO: Did you know Goldie, the drum & bass legend, once owned a building materials company? He even had a billboard in London advertising his business!
  • A breakbeat from the Queen? The iconic breakbeat used in Goldie’s “Inner City Life” was actually from a Queen song. Who would have thought?!
  • The “jungle” label: The term “jungle” was used to describe the genre because of its fast, chaotic, and even “animalistic” sound.

The beat goes on…

Drum & Bass is more than just a genre; it’s a feeling, a community, and a constant reminder that music can be powerful, innovative, and sometimes, even a little bit crazy.

Here are our favorite tracks by drum and base