DJ Randall, a pioneering force in the realms of drum & bass, breakbeat, and jungle music, has recently passed away, leaving a profound legacy that has shaped the landscape of electronic music. His career spanned decades, and his influence is immeasurable, cementing him as a titan of his genre.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in London in 1970, DJ Randall’s passion for music ignited in the vibrant club scenes of the 1980s. As a teenager, he was captivated by the sounds of breakbeat and acid house, which dominated the underground music scene. Randall’s first foray into DJing came in the late 1980s, spinning records at local parties and raves. His talent for mixing and an uncanny ability to read the crowd quickly earned him a reputation as a rising star.
Rise to Prominence
Randall’s rise to prominence began in the early 1990s, a period often referred to as the golden era of jungle music. By 1993, he had become a regular fixture at iconic venues like AWOL (A Way of Life) and at pirate radio stations such as Kool FM. His shows on this station in particular, became legendary, helping to spread the jungle sound to a wider audience. Speaking about this to mixmag in 2019, Randall said:
“Those days on Kool FM were magical. It was raw, it was real, and it was all about the music and the vibes. We didn’t have any fancy technology, just two turntables and a microphone, but we had a passion that drove us”
One moment that lead to his stardom in the rave scene is the stuff of legend. Randall’s big break came at the iconic “Living Dream” rave in Leyton. Scheduled to play a set that night, fate intervened when Colin Faver didn’t show up. Randall seized the moment, taking over the decks for an electrifying two-and-a-half-hour set that left the crowd in awe.
From that night on, DJ Randall’s name became synonymous with the breakbeat hardcore movement. He quickly established himself as one of the most influential DJs of the era. As co-owner of the De Underground record shop and label in Forest Gate, alongside fellow visionaries Cool Hand Flex, Uncle 22 and Mike De Underground, he played a key role in shaping the scene. Their label was instrumental in releasing the groundbreaking track “We Are I.E.” which would go on to define a generation.
Randall’s unique style, characterised by seamless transitions and a knack for selecting tracks that would ignite dance floors, set him apart from his peers. His influence extended beyond just his DJ sets; he was instrumental in pushing the jungle sound forward, encouraging experimentation and innovation within the genre.
Key Milestones and Collaborations
Randall’s presence became a staple at legendary nights like Orange at the Rocket and Dreamscape, but it was his residency at AWOL that truly cemented his legacy. During this time, he not only ruled the dance floors but also began producing and releasing his own music through De Underground and Reinforced Records, pushing the boundaries of the genre.
In 1994, Randall teamed up with Andy C to create the track “Sound Control,” a release on RAM Records that would further solidify his status as a jungle pioneer. His influence on the airwaves extended even further when he hosted a jungle show on Kiss 100, bringing the underground sounds to a wider audience.
Always ahead of the curve, Randall founded the Mac II record label in 1997, continuing to innovate and inspire. Even as the years passed, his passion for the music never waned. Randall remained a fixture in the scene, performing with the same energy and dedication right up until his passing.
Randall was also closely connected with Reinforced Records, a pioneering label in the drum & bass scene. He frequently collaborated with artists like 4Hero, Goldie, and DJ Hype, who were also pivotal in the evolution of jungle and drum & bass. Goldie, in particular, regarded Randall as a mentor and a key figure in his own development as an artist.
Speaking to DJ mag in 2015 about his collaborations, Randall remarked :
“Working with legends like Goldie and the Reinforced crew was an honour. We pushed each other to new heights, always striving to create something fresh and groundbreaking”
Defining Moments and Contributions to Drum & Bass
As jungle music evolved into drum & bass in the mid-1990s, Randall remained at the forefront. He was a key figure in the transition, maintaining the genre’s raw energy while embracing its new, more polished direction. His sets at clubs like Fabric in London and at international festivals helped to solidify his reputation as one of the genre’s leading DJs.
Randall was known for his deep crates of exclusive dubplates and his ability to create electrifying atmospheres on the dance floor. His legendary “One Nation” and “Helter Skelter” sets are still talked about today as some of the finest examples of drum & bass DJing.
In his own words, Randall described his DJing philosophy to Resident Advisor in 2020, saying:
“It’s all about the journey. I want to take people on a ride, to make them feel something powerful. Music is an emotional experience, and I’m just the guide”
Influence on Other Artists
Randall’s influence on other artists is profound. He was not just a DJ; he was a mentor and an inspiration. Andy C, DJ Zinc, Shy FX, and many other leading figures in the drum & bass scene have cited Randall as a major influence.
“How do you put into words what Randall meant to us… The inspiration, the energy, the laughs… The DJ’s DJ there is no other.”
Andy C
“Randall was the local hero when I was just starting out, we used to go into De Underground just to watch him mix. He wouldn’t touch the vinyl or platter, just the pitch – blew our minds. He always had time for us, always joking around. He was the DJs DJ. The best of the best. RIP Ran”
DJ Zinc
“People love to throw around the term ‘GOAT. But when it comes to Randall, he truly embodied what it means to be the greatest. His passion and presence touched so many lives. Rest in peace, my bro. Your legacy will continue to inspire and resonate with all of us. The true GOAT.”
Shy Fx
Remembering DJ Randall
The news of DJ Randall’s passing in July 2024 has sent ripples through the electronic music community. Tributes have poured in from around the world, with fellow DJs, producers, and fans celebrating his contributions to the scene. He is remembered not only as a masterful DJ but also as a beloved figure who embodied the spirit of drum & bass and jungle music.
Reflecting on his career, Randall once said to The Guardian in 2021:
“I’ve had an incredible journey, and I’ve been blessed to share my love of music with so many people. It’s been a wild ride, but I wouldn’t change a thing”
DJ Randall’s story is one of passion, innovation, and a deep love for music that transcends boundaries. His contributions to drum & bass, breakbeat, and jungle have left an indelible mark on the genre and the broader landscape of electronic music. As we remember his life and celebrate his legacy, we recognise the undeniable influence he had on countless artists and fans around the world. DJ Randall may have passed on, but his music and spirit will live on forever in the beats and basslines of the future.
Words: Neil Ritchie
Cover image: Chelone Wolf
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