Most Influential Reggae Samples of Jungle/DnB

Ever wondered where the iconic trumpet on Calibre and High Contrast's 'Mr Majestic' came from? Or who was the first to declare that it was both big, bad AND heavy? Reggae anthems have been crucial to Jungle's existence since its rise in the early 90s but are seldom appreciated as the inspirations for some of Jungle's most influential moments. To give credit where credit is due, we've complied a list of the under-ratedly iconic tracks featured in some of the best music Jungle has to offer.

1) Tom & Jerry sample Josie Wales' 'It A Fi Bun'

The 1990s production duo Tom & Jerry, consisting of Reinforced Records members Dego and Mark, were pioneers for imaginative and cutting-edge use of technology in their prime. Having pushed the boundaries of UK hardcore and jungle, Tom & Jerry remain an iconic part of jungle’s history. ‘Air freshener’ holds its own as one of the best early jungle records, sampling Kentrus’ classic ‘If A Fi Bun’. The track samples ‘Papa Lover’, originally released by General Degree in the 1990s, which went on to be sampled and remixed by many of the era’s greats including DJ Stretch.

2) Leviticus samples Jipsy King and Tony Curtis' 'My Sound A Murder'

Jumping Jack Frost released ‘Burial’ under the alias of Leviticus in 1994. ‘Burial’ went on to become one of the jungle’s biggest anthems, with heavy remixes being released by the likes of Logistics. The iconic sample is taken from from Jigsy King and Tony Curtis’ reggae classic ‘My Sound A Murder’.

3) Calibre and High Contract sample Horace Andy's 'Money Money'

In 2004 D’n’B greats Calibre and High Contrast teamed up to release the rolling rhythm known as ‘Mr Majestic’. The track samples Horace Andy’s incredible ‘Money Money’ which was originally released back in 1974, with a message that still rings true in today’s society.

4) Tom & Jerry sample Captleton's 'Bumbo Red'

Tom & Jerry’s second appearance on this list is with the pair’s dancefloor-filling ‘Maximum Style’. This track samples Captleton’s 1994 release ‘Bumbo Red’ as well as jazz icon Maxi Anderson’s ‘Lover to Lover’.

5) DJ Stretch and New Blood samples Capleton's 'Good So' and Frankie Paul's 'Worries in the Dance'

Last but by no means least is DJ Stretch and New Blood’s ground-breaking collab ‘Worries in the Dance’. This truly original jungle track samples not one but two reggae anthems, incorporating Capleton’s ‘Good So’ amongst Frankie Paul’s ‘Worries in the dance’.