Live, 2001
Always looking very much like a hooligan instead of a DJ, the infamous Kevin ‘Hype’ Ford has remained among the elite of jungle’s royalty throughout the entire sub-bass-laden ride, and although he is primarily known as one of the most technically proficient DJs around (re: sickadelic scratch skills), he’s also managed to carry the success of his Ganja Records through it all as well, something many other producers can’t say. This dude goes way back, spinning on London pirate radio (Fantasy FM) in the late’80s when KISS FM was still illegal, DJing & spinning at some of the first major raves in the UK, and firmly establishing his reputation as an all-around badass. As this mix skillfully demonstrates, DJ Hype’s aptitude for turntablism is crazy supreme, always stressing quality over quantity, scratching in all the right places but never wearing out his welcome; admittedly, back in the day, I got tired of all Hype’s mixes being decimated by MCs (don’t get me started…), so virtually any tapes which came along that didn’t feature any cats being overly eager on the mic I tended to adore. He fucking brings it through the whole set here, surfing atop bass waves so thick I think I’d better go issue a tsunami warning to my neighbors…GUN SELECTA!!!
Live, 2001
