Ragga Jungle
Jungle mixed with Jamaican dancehall and ragga vocals, fast and full of energy.
History
Ragga jungle is the part of jungle that uses Jamaican dancehall and ragga vocals s1. Producers took fast jungle breakbeats and placed shouted ragga vocals and reggae basslines over them s1. The style came from the close link between London's Jamaican community and the jungle scene s2. Rebel MC's 'Junglist' (1994) was an early and much-played record s1. Shy FX and UK Apachi's 'Original Nuttah' (1994) became the widely known ragga jungle track and a huge club hit s1. Cutty Ranks's 'A Who Seh Me Dun (Six Million Ways to Die)' was also widely played in jungle versions s1. The style was often heard on London pirate radio stations s2. Ragga jungle faded as drum and bass became smoother, but it has returned in new forms since s1. The records were often played on London pirate radio and at house parties s2. Some of the singers became stars in both reggae and jungle s1.
Sound
- Fast, hard jungle breakbeats
- Shouted ragga or dancehall vocals
- Heavy reggae-style bass
- Sirens and sound-system effects
- A loud, energetic mood
Key figures
- Rebel MC — London producer and founder of Congo Natty
- Shy FX — Producer of 'Original Nuttah'
- UK Apachi — Singer on 'Original Nuttah'
- General Levy — Ragga singer on jungle records
Labels
- Congo Natty — London , 1991
- SOUR — London , 1992
- Fashion Records — London , 1980
Defining tracks
Connections
Came from: Jungle , Dub , Breakbeat Hardcore
Sources
- Ragga jungle — Melodigging
- Jungle music — Wikipedia