Classic Track: Lemon D – What’s Up

Something different, you say? Look no further: we’ve got forward-thinking innovation meets cool finesse on Lemon D’s What’s Up, from Metalheadz’s 1997 Metalheadz Boxset 1, a noticeably leftfield album from the iconic label. Lemon D has shown a knack for crafting unconventional works for much of his career, and this track is an impressive example of his originality.

This classic features an onslaught of percussive hits at all the right times and tones, demonstrating the brilliance of an experimental approach over the backdrop of techstep proficiency. Lemon D’s blending of avant-garde arrangement with jazz sounds in What’s Up produces a distinctive feel and expression; timeless and refreshing.

Written by Luke Kessler

Exclusive: K2T & Hex – Embers

Detached Audio boss K2T teams up with Dojo’s very own Hex for our latest exclusive free download! Bringing together soft melodic flourishes, warm bass and rolling breaks, Embers is a deep liquid jam perfect for cool summer evenings. Check it out below and hit up HypeEdit to grab the track!

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DNB Dojo Podcast #44 – Jun 2020

Hex returns to the Dojo decks with 75 minutes of brand new music, including tracks from Imanu, Fixate, DLR & Script, Mage, Lynch Kingsley and many more. There are also dubs inside from The Faraday and Layton, plus two of Hex’s own new releases.

As always you can check out the podcast via Soundcloud below or head to Youtube or iTunes to stream. You can also grab a download from Google Drive.

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Premiere: Redpine & Solo – Time 4 Change

Redpine & Solo land in our premiere spotlight today with a dark jungle smasher called Time 4 Change. Opening up with ominous sub weight and skittering hats laid under a hefty ragga vocal calling for equality of rights, the track then drops into some serious break chopping business. Hard! Cop the EP via Studio Rockers from Jun 26th; pre-orders are up at Bandcamp now.

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Premiere: Droptek – Bloodline (Madster Remix)

Madster lands in our premiere spotlight today with a cracking new remix for Droptek! Twisting up the funk laden halftime of the original into a tight stepper, this one is all staccato rhythms and playful drums including some fantastic 4/4 switchups. Deadly. Look out for this coming alongside a grip of other remixes from Droptek’s Symbiosis LP via Korsakov Music from July 3rd.

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Classic Track: Stevie Hyper D – Junglist Soldier

While legendary MC Stevie Hyper D left us way too soon in 1998, his legacy thankfully lives on in both the memories of those who witnessed him live and through recordings of his lyrics adeptly MC’d over multiple Drum & Bass tracks and mixes. One of the most revered MCs to have graced sound waves with his words, you can read more about the man in this great retrospective article.

The anthemic Junglist Soldier, which happens to be De-Stress Records’ only release, is a quintessential jungle track that offers a sense of the dynamism dispensed by MCs, especially one so talented as Stevie Hyper D himself. Powerfully performed verses are delivered over a clean break accentuated by fitting Jungle fare. The bass consists of a thick reese that’s easily one of the best basslines in Drum & Bass history.

Junglist Soldier exudes a spirit that can bring together all junglists while serving as a reminder of how lucky we were to have Stevie Hyper D in the scene. A documentary that will reflect on Stevie Hyper D’s life and influence on music culture is slated for release this year; head over here to for more information on that.

Written by Luke Kessler

Premiere: Stunna – Lost Nation

We’ve got a sublime dancefloor liquid jam on today’s premiere as Chicago’s finest joins the Bay 6 Recordings roster! Stunna bringing the vibes with punchy drums, emotive synths and warm bass; lovely stuff. Watch out for this coming tomorrow at all good digital outlets.

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Premiere: Mage – Clear Sky

Summer liquid vibes from Mage on today’s premiere; as we’ve come to expect from one of Russia’s finest melodic producers this is all about the gentle piano, crisp rolling drums and shimmering pads. Beautiful tune; watch out for this coming June 22nd at all the usual stores.

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Premiere: Johnathan Thomas & HammerZz – A Murder

Johnathan Thomas lands back on Onset Audio with a tidy new EP later this week, and we’ve got the exclusive on his collab with HammerZz – A Murder! Slouching halftime beats, scuzzy LFO bassline and soft, atmospheric pads make for 100% vibe. Hit up your favourite store to grab this from Friday 19th June!

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Locked Up 20

Locked Up Music drop their 20th release today, combining a celebration of the label’s output with some fundraising for a good cause; all proceeds will go to Love Your Hospital, a charity which fundraises for the West Sussex hospitals where Locked Up boss Section works.

Better still, if you wait until Friday to grab the LP then you’ll be doing a charity double whammy – Bandcamp will be donating their share of all sales on June 19th to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Check out the beats below, do some good and grab yourself a fistful of dark D&B to boot!