Ray Keith

• Genre: Dark Drum 'n' Bass

About

A pioneer of Tech Step, jump-up, and hard step, Ray Keith's swaggering breakbeats feature basslines of titanic, legendary magnitude which helped define the sound of the Jungle massive through the mid-'90s. Hip-hop vocal samples, drones, screeches, turntable scratches, and occasional horn blasts combine in an unholy alliance of precisely channeled dance floor aggression. The breaks range from thunderous, intricate rattles to bass kick-heavy stomps. The basslines rumble like massive, superhuman cyborgs on the warpath, occasionally embellished by growling low-pitched synth lines. "What about peace, love, and understanding?" you might ask. Foolish mortal! The mighty Ray Keith knows not of such things. Take heed -- and listen at your own risk.

- Noah Enelow