You know what they say about the 60s: “if you can remember it, you really weren’t there”… well maybe the same goes for the St Paul’s Carnivals of the mid 90s! Certainly neither Will or I can remember the exact set list that Roni Size played alongside MC Dynamite on Brighton Street one Saturday night in early July 1995. But through the haze of ganja smoke and the fog of time – we can safely say that the set left a lasting impression on both of us and it became something of a seminal reference point as we were setting out on our musical journey together as Smart & Cruise.
So coming full circle (or cycle) when Will asked me for ideas for the next Selectabwoy mix, I suggested this. He leapt at the idea and it occurred to us that it was exactly 25 years ago to the week! So it had to happen. During the course of last week, we agonised over the selection and Will worked on the mix in the hope that we could convey something of that moment and the special place that it holds for us. It’s not intended as a replica of that set. it’s a tribute to it… and to a warm night in July 1995 when Jungle reached its peak.
It was loud and it was packed. Everyone looked good, the herb was pumpin’ and we were buzzing… Roni was on fire dropping tune after tune. Hype’s remix of ‘RIP’, Mental Power’s ‘Deep Soul’, Roni’s own ‘Buck Rogers’ and Rampage’s ‘Why?’ blasted through the speaker stacks. A carnival-ready mix of dancehall and R&B samples, heavy basslines and sound system effects captured the vibe perfectly.
All the producers featured on this mix were on top of their game. Smashing out tunes that they knew would rip up the dance. Looking back, the music changed after that summer. The ragga and soul samples were to fade out, giving way to more hip hop flavours as Jungle evolved into Drum & Bass.
Some of the dubs never emerged much to our dismay… we still speak wistfully of Dillinja’s ‘Selassie Sound’ and Roni’s ‘All the Way’ – which we did manage to include in this mix courtesy of a cheeky radio rip! The rare Leviticus Remix of S.T. Files ‘Part 1’ also features. It feels very special to be able bring this all together.
Big up Roni Size and Dynamite for inspiring us. Big up Selectabwoy for expertly mixing it up – it’s been great to work with you again my brother! And big up all the Bristol jungle heads and anyone who was there that night. We hope this mix brings back the memories.
Olly (@wiseguisedjs)
Gang Related & Mask – Oh My Gosh! (The SS Remix) [Dope Dragon]
Shabba Ranks – Let’s Get It On (Goldie & Dillinja Beef Joint) [Epic]
Run Tings & Liftin Spirits – Come Easy (Ant Miles Exclusive Mix) [Breakdown]
London’s Most Wanted – Girls Dem Want It (Re-lick Mix) [Philly Blunt]
Shabba Ranks – Wicked in a Bed (DJ SS Remix) [Street Tuff]
H.M.P. – Runnin’s [Frontline]
S.T. Files – Part 1 (Leviticus Remix) [Flex Industries]
Dillinja – Sky [Philly Blunt]
The Terrorist – Sing Time (Foul Play Remix) [Dread]
The Guyver – Feel [Reinforced]
DJ SS – Easymen (Remix 1) [Easymen]
Pure – Anything Test (Exclusive Mix) [Breakdown]
Johnny Jungle – Killa Sound (Krome & Time Remix) [Suburban Base]
Dr. Wootang – Original Wootang [Dread]
DJ Krust – Guess [V Recordings]
Flynn & Flora – Silk Cut [Independent Dealers]
Roni Size – Fashion (Remix) [V Recordings]
Origin Unknown – Truly One [Ram]
Asylum Feat. MC Bassman – Da Base II Dark [Metalheadz]
Remarc – R.I.P. (DJ Hype Remix) [Suburban Base]
Rampage – Godfather [Almo Sounds]
Krome & Time – Ganja Man (DJ Hype Remix) [Tearin’ Vinyl]
Bagga Worries & Jooxie Nice – Legalise (Remarc VIP Mix) [Labello Blanco]
Rude Bwoy Monty – Warp 9 Mr. Zulu [Frontline]
Desired State – Goes Around [Ram]
Raggadeath – Why Ask Why (Roni Size & Krust Jungle Mix) [Virgin Music Canada]
Xcelle – Why (Smokin’ Studio Remix) [Rampage The Label]
Dillinja – Simple [Chronic]
Poison Chang – Love the Woman (DJ Rap Remix) [Jungle Fashion]
Firefox – Buck Rogers [Philly Blunt]
Roni Size – All The Way [Unreleased]
Mental Power – Deep Soul [Formation]