Review: Jungle Cakes regularly plow through the bangers and Benny Page is a long-time collaborator and friend of the label, as well as being an all-round, infamous badass in the world of jungle and jump-up D&B. His Shimmy EP is three tracks long and infinitely heavy, with a distinct sense of power and progression permeating every corner of this release. The title track is the highlight and exemplifies this perfectly, with a set of stabbing bass notes arranged into a wicked formula of dancefloor pressure. There's also a sick VIP and a final track to look forward to, so check it out.
Review: Just in case you ever doubted Dance Concept / Souped Up bossman Benny V and main co-conspirator K-Warren's jungle credentials (shame on you if you did) then here's an incredible version session with three massive vocal collaborations over one killer riddim on the seriously on-point Jungle Cakes. The track itself is pure power laced with subversion as we're lured into a false sense of dubby bubblesome funk security before a toxic chainsaw bassline cuts through the mix and most of our senses... But let's be real; this is all about the features as some of the most distinctive voices in the genre join the party. Ragga Twins add their turbo back and forths in the way only they know how. Real talk, real jungle, "Real Junglists".
Review: OG soldiers Benny V and K-Warren on Deekline and Ed Solo's Jungle Cakes? Oh our collective gosh! Premium party business wrapped around a very well-known sample source, there's a twist in the "Apache Scat" tale... While it's usually the apache break that everyone utilises in their tracks, this one uses the full horn-blazing, guitar-twanging hook and couples it with some beautiful rapid-fire lyrical lava from Deemas J. Loaded with a heavier, driving remix from bossman Deekline, this one reaches out to the full crew and beyond.
Review: Calling all Brainiacs! Brian's back and he's packing some serious jungle heat. "Anything & Everything" is a roasty skanker that's precision tuned for the current heatwave thanks to its hurricane drums, soaking wet basses and refreshing dubwise horn section. "So Easy" maintains the Jamaican flavour with a surging, urgent vocal and a jet engine drop that could scorch your ear hairs from a 10 mile radius. Easy does it!
Review: The bright-light, groovy aesthetic of Jungle Cakes is back, as it so often is, so get out your Red Stripes and don ya wavey garms because the legendary Brian Brainstorm isn't messing around with this display of both the jungle and D&B sounds. Two ragga-infused tunes are here for you, uplifting samples abound and suddenly it's not December - it's June, July and August and the sun is shining. This doesn't stop any of these tracks from coming out in a moody way, though, and it definitely doesn't it stop either the jungle or D&B mix of 'Judgement' from attempting to knock your hat off. Jungle Cakes always manage to pull out the stops in a way that makes you nervously smile - this one is no different, and we love thee combination of jungle and full-speed rolling sounds.
Review: Taken from his Roots Garden-released album earlier this summer - All A We - Brother Culture teams up with Jungle Cakes bossman Ed Solo for a storming, skank-flexed junglist shock out. Where the original was all warm and deeply textured, Solo has flipped the dynamics for something a lot sharper and harder hitting. Saturated in sunshine stabs with really nice attention to paid on the backing vocal harmonies, it's yet another skank-scud. Killer!
Review: A split single here between production duo Cain 1 & Wakutt, who head up the release with an ode to cough medicine in "Night Nurse", while Slynk provides more musical madness with "Bad Duppy Walk". The former is a bonafide jungle revivalist mash up with a lilting reggae swagger and a re-work of the syrupy sweet lyrics of Gregory Isaacs' legendary song of the same name. The latter also mixes a strong reggae influence with modern day D&B, plus some rave synths, cheery melodies, shuffling breaks and oodles of energy. Fun from start to finish!
Review: Having fed us bowls and bowls of hearty "Chicken Soup" already this year, Chopstick Dubplate returns with another feast. Just a two course meal this time; "My Sound Ah Murda" gets to the point as quickly as the title suggests. Warm, soulful authenticity from Jay Mikey on the vocals and a bubbling bassline rolling beneath. The bigger the scoops, the more this shoots. And scores. Need a little extra bounce for your ounce? Chow down on King Yoof's relick. A maze of sirens, horns and midrangey bass twangs, they don't call him the king for nothing. Sweet murderation!
Review: Two brand new originals from the bass culture's cakiest crusader Deekline. "Pass Me The Rizla" features two of Jamaica's most iconic and versatile MCs; both Levy and Irie rattle their turbo-charged tongues with harmony as they pay homage to the skins over a skank-savvy beat. "Perfida", meanwhile, takes a more soulful route as Gala Osborn oozes charm over a horn-focused rhythm... Drop it and start missing the summer in seconds.
Murder Them All (feat Rubi Dan - original mix) - (4:13) 175 BPM
Murder Them All (instrumental mix) - (4:13) 175 BPM
Hold Up (original mix) - (3:44) 175 BPM
Review: Murderation! Deekline and Rubi Dan hook up for a blunderbuss skanker that hits more spots than you ever knew existed. With drums set to slam and bassline set to bounce, it's the perfect bed for Rubi to lay down his distinctive lyrical call to action. Dig deeper for a crisp instrumental version and a deeper, creepier dancehall denter in the form of "Hold Up". Slinking and groaning but shining with occasional flashes of a lush vocal sample, it'll do more than hold up a dancefloor... It'll knock them sideways too.
Review: You read it right - Jungle Cakes reaches its 28th instalment, this time led by the inimitable DJ Deekline. Catching up with the first track, "Alibaba" is a perfect jungle tune sampled from John Holt's reggae classic of the same name. Retro for the old heads but still vibing enough to lift the dancefloor up a level, this is something special. "Still Passin" is a fresh, more modern jungle approach featuring tons of flashy dancehall samples (and one from the charts a short way back - spot it) and breaks that just don't quit. Dust off your dancing shoes, this is gonna get messy.
Review: Three legends combine on this one as we welcome back Jungle Cakes, an extremely well respected original jungle imprint, who here see the combination of three musical legends in perfect harmony. Deekline and Ed Solo combine with the untouchable vocal abilities of General Levy for an original, high energy slap entitled 'Have Some Fun', and boy does it bring out a party vibe. Levy's uplifting lyricism layers perfectly over the high pressure drum expressions and potent bass movements of Deekline & Solo's instrumental below, concocting a certified rave smash. Excellent work as per from three jungle giants.
Review: While Winchester's Matterly Bowl still recovers from the mammoth slaying the Jungle Cakes crew gave Boomtown this year, Deekline and his mates continue to fire out the shots. Here we find the bossman teaming up with co-producer Fish and Navi and Blackout on the mic with for a foundation-primed jungle slap about. Big vocal harmonies, sun-kissed skanks and a warm-but-war vibe, it's another tasty Jungle Cakes treat. And it comes with a vibesome remix from jungle royalty Aries. Champion indeed.
Review: Grab your index finger, grab your middle finger. Put them together, tuck your other fingers into your palm and run around your house screaming 'murderation' because you're about to check two regal stench blasts from two of bass music's most important consistent names in over 20 years and you just know you're going to slap a lot of party people with them. Both flexing that funk/jump up/ roller vibe, "Ray Gun" takes a well known skank, some wry horn blasts and an infectious bass hook while "MOFOS" is pure middle finger business that's not dissimilar to filth ups from BCUK's Safari era. Stick 'em up!!
Review: Breakbeat warriors Deekline and Ed Solo team up again, and this time they've gone for it. Not content with producing some of the nastiest, wobbliest breakbeat around, they've decided to turn their hand to drum & bass and another release on Jungle Cakes. Lead cut "King Of The Bong O" is a cheeky exercise in bootleg jump-up buffoonery - the sort of tune that boasts a grin a mile wide and a happy dancefloor to match. Flip "Stickybuds Guaranteed" opts for a slightly more old skool jungle approach, mashing up skankin' MC and familiar pop vocals. It goes without saying that both tunes feature stupidly heavy basslines.
Review: And so we reach the 19th volume of the Jungle Cakes saga, placing Deekline and Ed Solo together to create the dancefloor sensation that is "Zunga" with classic ragga vocals from the one and only Rubi Dan. A big rolling bass and funky horns take pride of place in that seriously infectious hook - add the tight punchy drums and you've got yourself the ultimate party track. Track two sees another jungle smasher take charge with the unmistakeable classic sample of "No No No" featuring the silky smooth vocals of Dawn Penn. Remixed by Serial Killaz the bass bursts straight out of the speakers, punching though hard steppy breakbeats to get any crowd moving. Skanking crew, get your kicks here.
Review: Two heart-warming jungle-tastic dollops of loveliness here from the Jungle Cakes label. Deekline and Ed Solo are the sumptuous cooks of these two delights and what a treat they are. First up is "Bad Boys" with the iconic vocal hook "Bad boys, bad boys, what you gonna do, what you gonna do when they come for you?" and insistent, pattering drums which are paired with jungle sirens and weighty bass beneath. Accompanying this is the equally as fun "You Can Be My Night" which continues the madness with massive builds, plenty of bass stabs with tearing drums and oodles of dancefloor potential.
Review: "We're sure there's absolutely no need to introduce Deekline and Ed Solo to you rowdy lot," say the liner notes on this double act of D&B madness, "so we'll save ourselves and you the bother..." With that unceremonious intro, we crash straight into the badboys of jungle's latest package of riddims. "Hot This Year" harks back to the sunny yesteryear of summer 2013, where the rain clouds had parted ways, and the sun shone. Ragga jungle MCs were bibbydibbying about London, and good vibes were all that anyone could hear. "Remember" was inspired not only by the lovely sampled vocals here, but also because Deekline really wanted to remind Ed Solo about the time he lent him a fiver...apparently. Grab 'em while they're hot!
Review: In a reggae laden expression of the stylistic backing behind Jungle Cakes, Deekline & Ed Solo are teaming up with Specimen A and renowned MC Blackout JA. 'Let The Music Play' rolls out with all the intent of four artists who know exactly how to blend dub-infused tones with a rolling 170 beat, as they have done many times the past. This time is well-trodden ground for them, but the shimmering brass notes and funky vocal lines don't sound any less wicked. There's a B-side which takes things a bit heavier on some VIP business, rounding out the single well.
Review: With the summer just starting to show face, it's about time Hot Cakes' main man Deekline rolled up to deliver one of his sunniest efforts in years. Teaming up with the mighty Tippa Irie, get ready for a slice of reggae-infused jungle, perfect for some laid-back listening. Voltage and Nicky Blackmarket get their mitts on it too with their darkened remix, with breaks eking out every bit of attitude from that sunny facade. We knew there was some badness in there somewhere. Lastly, get ready for a Speed Garage remix, taking tips from the old school in a big way as the sound of UKG reigns supreme once again.
Review: This fresh single coming from the Jungle Cakes crew has one of the best MC line-ups we've seen in a long time, with Trigga, Boomah, Specimen A and Navigator all coming correct for what is a fresh little roller with an old-school twist. Deekline is on production, and 'Duppy Destroyers' ebbs and flows with a comfortable sense of nonchalance, bassy stabs punctuating its sparse but satisfying percussive line and an overall feeling of ragga influence permeating every second of its playtime. Suitable for carnival season, this one.
Review: You read it correctly, the Jungle Cakes series has reached Volume 32, and to celebrate, Defkline has produced for us two mighty fine slices of jungle riddims and spiced up classic vocals. In "Tempo" a kaleidoscope of tropical sounds wash over a big bouncing bassline, while a drop reveals the ragga heart of the tune before building to dizzying breakneck speed again. On the flip, "Magnificent" harks back to the ruffneck '80s, where shufflin' rhythms were the way to move. Add some ballsy breaks and there's a brand new way to scuff up them Dr Martens. Everybody skank!
Review: In a reggae laden expression of the stylistic backing behind Jungle Cakes, Blackout Ja and Wishmaster are teaming up with Dr Meaker for a really sick single. Both tracks roll out with all the intent of three artists who know exactly how to blend dub-infused tones with a rolling 170 beat, as they have done many times the past. This time is well-trodden ground for them, but the shimmering brass notes and funky vocal lines don't sound any less wicked. 'Eyes Of The Lion' is stabbing and sharp, whilst 'Mash Up The Place' is wobbling and steppy, a proper dancefloor number that's dying for a double drop. Wicked.
Review: Dr Meaker are a live band slash electronic music outfit who make incredibly unique hybrids of D&B and other genres, notably soul and funk. On this occasion, however, they've taken a distinctly different turn in the direction of the jump-up sound, including a feature with Kings of the Rollers star Voltage, over on Jungle Cakes.'Baddest DJ' is that aforementioned feature and it's a roller of the type you'd expect, with snappy drums underpinning a naughty set of siney wobbles and low-frequency inserts. 'Wisdom & Knowledge' is even further from the beaten Dr Meaker path, a full on jump-up number with pitched up synth lines and grating atmospherics. Top stuff guys.
Review: Barcelonian in Brizzle Dubtime teams up with two distinctive voices for his Jungle Cakes debut. Two originals, one version, it's an instant slap to the sunnyside senses as the both Mad Sam and Rankin Youth lay down hooky harmonic soul over two crisp grooves. "Ghetto Youths" whips up a storm with a high voltage tear out bassline while "Nice" grinds to a funkier arrangement where the bassline bounces and pipes and horns weave into the mix fluidly. Loaded with more of an instrumental twist, nice doesn't even begin to describe this EP...
Review: You'd be hard pushed to name an MC with more of a distinctive jungle tonality than Spyda. With Fats coming a close second, Spyda has that musicality, hookiness but bare-faced brute force that instantly smacks with heritage. "Soundsystem Entertainer" is no exception as he does the dulcet damage over one of Solo's strongest bass hooks in a long time (which is saying something, considering his consistency high level) The end result is an instant floor-bubbler with all the funk and gusto you'd expect from the J-Cakes crew. Loaded with an instrumental for those rare arachnophobia association gala parties we all have to endure from time to time.
Review: Brighton based breakbeat wizard Ed Solo steps up with partner in crime Deekline for this release on delectably entitled label Jungle Cakes. Bringing in the ragga jungle vibes with title track "Man Down", this one harks back to the Apache era, with buckets of Shy FX and Digi Soundboy vibes to boot. Punchy breaks are paired with cooing vocals and lilting rhythms to huge effect. "Untold" has tooting horns, jungle chirrups and lush, upbeat reggae vocals which drives this one along with a soulful swing.
Review: Bassbin worriers Ed Solo and Deekline return to their Jungle Cakes label for more natty and eminently danceable vintage riddims soaked in recognisable vocal hooks. Barrington Levy's "Under Me Sensei" has proved an inspiration to the jungle and drum and bass heads for many years now and the duo manage to eek further fun out of that distinctive vocal on "Sensei", which deviates nicely between rolling rhythms wrapped tight around booming sub bass and nicely poised steppah breakdowns. The flip brings the junglist flavour to the iconic "Ghost Town" which song purists might recoil in horror at, but there has always been a playful nature to these Jungle Cakes releases - drop this at the right moment and the dancefloor will respond in suitably enthusiastic terms.
Review: Welcome To The Jungle is a celebration of one of the most prolific D&B labels to have emerged in the last few years. Run by Ed Solo and Deekline, Jungle Cakes is home to some of the cheekiest, most accessible bangers available. One of two samplers, these are just two of the full album's 30 highlights. "Bam Bam" takes Sister Nancy and throws her deep into oceanic bass. With Serial Killaz trademark low-end brutality in full effect, it's an instant crowd slammer. "Raw To The Floor" is one of Deekline's originals; with a catchy vocal, references to hip-hop heritage and shivering synths, it's yet another tasty treat from jungle's finest bakers.
Review: Positive vibes! Jungle Cakes head bakers Ed Solo and Deekline link-up once again with original don General Levy for some feel-good, sun-splashed system-primed fun. Springy, loaded with a crisp sawing bassline and driven by Levy's rapid flow, you can picture the exact festivals the three of them had in mind with a vibe like this. Especially Levy's precision double time rap mid way. For added vibe value, the mighty Aries has also provided a killer remix. A little darker in dynamic and stripped back, it leaves even more space for the General's voice to lead the way. Uplift central; we need music like this right now.
Review: Few producers nail juiced-up jungle ragga jams like Ed Solo. Here he teams up with the super-talented Elijah MC for a bass-blustered slammer that's sugar-coated with Elijah's soft-but-solid vocal mastery. Instant reload material, this will raze any floor within seconds. Need calming down? Flip for Elijah's stripped back authentic original. Blessings!
Review: Starting the sampler series of with a classic sample from '90s chart history, Jungle Cakes bring more of their ramped-up jungle vibes to the dance. Shaking up a hefty Ed Solo bassline with an addictive hook, it's already tearing up dancefloors and the sun hasn't even come out yet this year. Following up is Ed Solo & Deekline's VIP of "Bad Boys", a serious must-bag for anyone who's been anywhere near the two's tunes in the past couple of years. Tuned up to morph dub into womp, there's nothing left to do here but skank. The night is young!
Review: You don't get much more junglistic than Ed Solo and on this latest release from Jungle Cakes, you've guessed it, some sticky, sweet jungle is the order or the day. "Smoke The Weed" is a classic jungle mashup, and with Canadian bass master Stickybuds on hand to provide some serious breaks it quickly escalates to an all-out skanking session. Before you can pass it on, "Joker Smoker" adds retro brass and guitar to build the reggae funk as the track fragments into not one but two different breakdowns providing the basis for some serious dancefloor workouts. Don't sleep on this.
Review: Deekline enlists the skills of Feyder and Steppa Style for two monstrous skank-wise reggae bubblers; The Spruddy One-featured "Overcome" and the Ragga Twins-fronted "Sound Burial". The former flexes with a rapid Eek-A-Mouse-style vocals while the latter rips with the hype you'd expect from Deman Rockers and Flinty Badman. Version-wise we're also treated to reggae, dancehall and instrumental versions, each one adding serious roots authenticity.
Review: Russian ragga vibes: skank merchant Feyder lays down a squishy, bounce-happy groove laden with perky organs, rasping snares and blaring sirens with enough space for Steppa Style to melodically extol the virtues of murderation. Deeper into the EP we hit a slightly sharper twist from Jamie Bostron and a gully amen-smashing, old school-minded shake-up of Steppa Style and DJ Vadim's "Sweet Love". Murder, love and rollers... What more do you need?
Review: Filip Motovunski continues to chow down into the year with his Jungle Cakes debut. Flexing the label's dubwise signature, his rugged rolls, subtle skank stabs and high voltage bassline bring the message home while MC Spee's vocal rounds off the edges with love and positivity. Looking for a little less grizzle more of a thump to the bassline? Take a peek at Kursiva's remix. Listen up!
Review: It may be Autumn but you can keep the summer alive with this remix release, working from the original 'Reggae Boom' we have a happy, sunshine track, reminiscent of the upbeat sound of SHY FX. Amens and horns create the relaxed vibe, while the vocal gives us something to grasp onto. The Dub version is as you'd expect, mellowed, slowed and coated in echoes.
