Jungle Brothers: A Groove From The Bronx

The Jungle Brothers are a legendary hip-hop group from the Bronx, New York, formed in the early 1980s. They are considered pioneers of the “conscious rap” movement, blending political and social commentary with funk and soul-infused beats.

The group, consisting of Mike “DJ” Gee, Nathaniel “The Navigator” Hall, and Sammy “The Jungle Brother” Burks, rose to prominence with their 1988 debut album Straight Out the Jungle, which showcased their unique blend of jazz, funk, and hip-hop. This album was a critical and commercial success, with tracks like “The Promo” and “Straight Out the Jungle” becoming anthems for the burgeoning hip-hop scene.

Here are some funny facts about the Jungle Brothers:

• The “Jungle Brother” Identity: Sammy Burks earned his nickname “The Jungle Brother” from a childhood friend who observed his wild and unpredictable nature. He’s said to have been a bit of a “class clown” in school.
• A Song About a Squirrel: “I’ll Bust a Move,” one of their most famous songs, was initially inspired by a squirrel they saw in the park, which Sammy Burks interpreted as a sign to “bust a move” on the dance floor!
• “The Promo” and a Missed Opportunity: The Jungle Brothers were initially skeptical about the potential of their song “The Promo,” which would eventually become a huge hit. The group was on a tight budget and felt the song’s production wasn’t polished enough, but eventually agreed to release it.
• The Original “House Party”: Their 1988 track “House Party” predates the 1990 film of the same name by two years. It’s rumored that the film’s creators were inspired by the Jungle Brothers’ song!

Throughout the 1990s, the Jungle Brothers continued to release innovative and influential albums, including Done By The Forces of Nature (1991) and J.B. Smoov (1993). While they haven’t achieved the mainstream popularity of some of their contemporaries, their impact on hip-hop culture remains undeniable. They were among the first hip-hop groups to incorporate elements of jazz and funk into their sound, and their socially conscious lyrics paved the way for a new generation of artists.