Jump-up

Jump-up music is a subgenre of drum and bass that originated in the mid-2000s in the United Kingdom. Often characterized by its infectious and energetic beats, jump-up has gained a following around the world and continues to evolve and expand. Jump-up began as a reaction to the darker and more atmospheric sounds of techstep and intelligent drum and bass that dominated the scene at the time. Producers sought to create a more playful and upbeat sound, with catchy hooks and bouncy basslines. One of the earliest examples of jump-up can be traced back to the track "Original Nuttah" by UK duo Shy FX and UK Apache in 1994, which combined elements of jungle, ragga, and dub. However, it would take several years for jump-up to fully develop as a distinct and recognizable subgenre. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, a number of artists began experimenting with the jump-up sound, including DJ Hype, Zinc, and Pascal. The term "jump-up" was actually coined by DJ Hazard in 2002, who wanted a name for the music he was making that was high-energy and focused on getting people dancing. By the mid-2000s, jump-up had become an established subgenre of drum and bass, with its own distinct sound and style. Tracks were typically characterized by heavy basslines, short melodic hooks, and rapid-fire drum patterns. Producers like Clipz, DJ Fresh, and Taxman were some of the most successful and popular, although countless others also contributed to the scene. One of the hallmarks of jump-up is its focus on creating a party atmosphere and getting people moving. DJs and producers will often incorporate elements of dancehall, hip-hop, and other genres to keep things fresh and exciting. Many jump-up tracks also feature humorous or absurd samples, adding to the genre's playful nature. Despite its popularity, jump-up has often been criticized by purists in the drum and bass community for being too simplistic or formulaic. However, many fans and producers argue that the genre's accessibility and high-energy vibe are what make it unique and important. In recent years, jump-up has continued to evolve, with producers experimenting with new sounds and styles. Some have even blended the jump-up sound with other genres, creating hybrid subgenres like "jazz-up" and "neurofunk jump-up."

DJ Hazard: With hits like "Mr Happy" and "Machete," DJ Hazard has become a staple in the Jump-up scene. He is known for his heavy basslines and catchy hooks that get the crowd moving. Annix: This duo of producers from Bristol has been making waves in the Jump-up scene with their unique sound that blends hip hop and grime with the traditional Jump-up style. Tracks like "Axshun" and "Warriors" have become anthems on the dance floor. Serum: Hailing from London, Serum has been a mainstay in the Jump-up scene for over a decade. Known for his high-energy sets and remixes, he has released tracks on labels like Playaz and Low Down Deep. Bassman: As an MC, Bassman has been a fixture in the Jump-up scene for years. He brings an unparalleled energy to the stage that electrifies the crowd and takes the music to the next level. Eksman: Another Jump-up MC, Eksman has been lauded for his lyrical prowess and ability to get the crowd hyped up. He has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the scene, including DJ Hype and DJ Fresh. Turno: This London-based producer has been gaining popularity in the Jump-up scene with his energetic tracks and innovative sound design. His tracks "The Invaderz" and "Track to the Future" have been making waves in the genre. Macky Gee: With tracks like "Tour" and "Sway," Macky Gee has been making a name for himself in the Jump-up scene. He is known for his high-energy sets and catchy hooks that keep the crowd moving all night long. DJ Guv: This London-based producer has been a mainstay in the Jump-up scene for years, with hits like "Slice and Dice" and "Warning." He is known for his heavy, driving basslines and innovative sound design. Sub Zero: With releases on labels like Playaz and G13, Sub Zero has become one of the most recognizable names in the Jump-up scene. His tracks like "Poon" and "Get Up" are played in clubs all around the world. Benny L: This Bristol-based producer has been making waves in the Jump-up scene with his unique style that blends old-school Jungle elements with modern production techniques. Tracks like "Low Blow" and "Thunder Slap" have solidified his place in the genre.

1. The Prodigy - Voodoo People (Pendulum Remix) 2. Hazard - Mr. Happy 3. Jaydan - Rush Hour 4. DJ Devize - Shock Time 5. Serum & Bladerunner - Heavy Duty 6. DJ Hazard - Use Your Brain 7. Benny L - Low Blow 8. Roni Size & DJ Die - It's A Jazz Thing (Utah Jazz Remix) 9. Majistrate - Beware 10. Upgrade - Gunshots 11. Original Sin - Skoolbag 12. TC - Tap Ho 13. Macky Gee - Tour 14. Annix - Crash 15. Sub Zero - Poon 16. Taxman - Too Bad (Remix) 17. Annix - Axshun 18. Heist - Spies 19. Cyantific - Bloodline (feat. Raphaella) 20. Hedex - Forever 21. Voltage - Roll Back 22. A.M.C. & Turno - Maybach 23. Dimension - Whip Slap 24. DJ Limited - Ready 25. Document One - Holy Moly

Several books have been written on the subject of drum and bass music, including Jump-up and Drum & Bass: The Essential Guide by Paul Langley. In this book, Langley describes the origins and evolution of the genre, highlighting the key players and artists who helped establish jump-up as a distinct subgenre of drum and bass. He notes that the genre emerged as a response to the darker and more brooding sounds of mainstream drum and bass, offering a more playful and accessible alternative that was filled with energy and enthusiasm. Other authors have offered their own perspectives on the genre, including music journalist Simon Reynolds, who wrote about the rise of jump-up in his book Energy Flash: A Journey Through Rave Music and Dance Culture. Reynolds notes that jump-up was one of the most popular subgenres of drum and bass in the early 2000s, particularly in the UK rave scene. He credits the genre's success to its dynamic sound, which he describes as "saturated in energy, ecstasy and all-out fun". Throughout its history, jump-up has spawned numerous iconic tracks and artists, including DJ Hype, Roni Size, and Chase & Status. These artists have been celebrated for their ability to create high-energy, infectious beats that appeal to a wide range of fans. Commentators have noted that jump-up has a unique ability to get people moving and create a sense of collective excitement, both online and in person. One notable quote on the subject comes from drum and bass producer DJ Zinc, who described the genre as "the sound of the rave". He noted that the music is designed to be fun and uplifting, and has a relentless energy that keeps people dancing all night long. Similarly, drum and bass legend Goldie has praised the genre for its ability to bring people together and create a sense of community, both on and off the dance floor. Despite its popularity, jump-up has also faced criticism and controversy over the years. Some fans have criticized the genre for being too simplistic and formulaic, while others argue that it lacks the depth and complexity of other subgenres within drum and bass. Critics have also raised concerns about the genre's association with drug culture and the rave scene, highlighting the dangers of promoting excessive partying and illegal drug use.

The late 1990s was a period when the UK music scene was undergoing massive changes. The emergence of genres such as jungle, drum and bass, and garage, among others, signaled a new era in electronic music, with jump-up providing a unique twist to drum and bass. During this time, the UK was experiencing massive cultural shifts, with a significant number of young people exploring new avenues of expression through music. The rave culture in the UK played a significant role in the development of jump-up. Raves were popular in the UK during the late 1990s, bringing together young people from all walks of life in rave parties. These parties were characterized by the use of sound systems, heavy bass, and lighting effects, providing the perfect environment for jump-up music to flourish. The advancement of technology also played a significant role in the rise of jump-up. The emergence of software such as Cubase and Fruity Loops provided producers with the ability to create music using their computers, without the need for expensive studio equipment. This made it easier for bedroom producers to create and distribute jump-up music in the growing underground music scene. Record labels such as True Playaz and Ganja Records were significant players in the jump-up scene, releasing groundbreaking music and providing a platform for new talent to emerge. Producers like DJ Hype, Pascal, and Hazard were instrumental in shaping the jump-up genre, with their signature sound influencing many up and coming producers. Journalists and music critics also played a vital role in the growth of jump-up. Magazines such as Mixmag and Knowledge regularly featured articles and reviews on the genre, sparking interest from the wider music community. This helped to establish jump-up as a legitimate genre of music and helped with its eventual mainstream success.