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The Evolution of Drum & Bass: From Jungle Roots to Modern Innovations

By Jozsef Pelles, November 12, 2024

Drum & Bass (D&B), a fast-paced, bass-heavy genre of electronic music, emerged in the UK in the early 1990s, evolving from breakbeat hardcore and jungle. The roots of D&B lie in the 1980s, when DJs began experimenting with breakbeats-the percussive, syncopated sections of funk and hip-hop tracks. As these beats were sped up and layered with deep basslines, a distinct sound was born, blending influences from hip-hop, reggae, and techno.This sound evolved into jungle music, a genre marked by rapid, chopped-up breakbeats and heavy sub-basslines.

By the mid-90s, jungle had matured, but many artists began to shape a new, sleeker sound that became known as drum & bass. Producers like Goldie, Roni Size, and LTJ Bukem brought innovations in sound and structure, moving away from jungle's reggae roots and adopting a more polished, atmospheric quality. Roni Size’s "New Forms" album, released in 1997, was particularly influential in cementing D&B's place in mainstream music. Around the same time, labels like Metalheadz and RAM Records were instrumental in pushing the genre's boundaries, with faster tempos (often between 160-180 BPM) and complex drum patterns becoming standard.

The genre continued evolving into the 2000s with the rise of subgenres like liquid funk, neurofunk, and techstep, each emphasizing different aspects—melody, bass intensity, or intricate percussion. Liquid funk introduced a smoother, jazz-inspired sound, while neurofunk leaned towards darker, sci-fi-inspired tones.

Today, D&B remains a dynamic genre, known for its versatility and innovation. With artists like Chase & Status, Netsky, and Noisia, D&B continues to grow, constantly blending with other genres and pushing electronic music into new territory, while staying true to its underground roots and its core: fast, intricate beats and heavy bass.