Stevie Hyper D, a household name to the everyday junglist of the 1990s and certainly a name you would expect to see on pretty much every big events line up during the golden era of our scene. Hyper D coming into the Jungle scene from early on made a crucial impact in what the crowd would then expect to see and hear from an MC, to the new school it’s comparable to what Harry Shotta has managed to achieve in today’s terms.
The changes in direction and style during the mid 90’s came at a perfect time for Hyper D and he was able to ride the faster, heavier beats at a pace so unstoppable it was sometimes hard for other mc’s to keep up the pace. This wasn’t to say that Stevie was a non-stop lyrical machine, he also had the ability to sing, rolling out some of his most memorable anthemic vocals
“I’m just a Junglist soldier, fighting to keep the Jungle alive”
What made Hyper D so memorable was his ability to come into a dance and literally blow the roof off. Every raver from those who witnessed him first hand to those who came into the scene later on, checking him on old tapes or YouTube sets, will no doubt have various memories associated with his performance.
One of the scene’s most memorable artists, may his spirit live on for years to come.
“Wanna see you flexin’ today”
10 years since ‘The Legend’ was released, Dance Concept are back with their second album paying respect once again to Stevie Hyper D. Featuring a collection of some of the industry’s biggest producers and a few new faces, this album promises to deliver an eclectic collection of Jungle, Drum & Bass and a few other surprises.
This time around ‘Generation Hyper’ delivers a total of 25 tunes in one downloadable bundle and a limited vinyl pressing. Artists such as Jaydan, DJ Sly, Congo Natty, Serial Killaz and Ray Keith come correct with upfront Jump Up Jungle vibes fusing some of Stevie’s better known lyrics with the same kind of vibe we have come to expect from these producers.
Voltage from Cabin Fever UK took time to answer a few questions on the link up, memories of Stevie and what’s happening with his production right now.
Jamie: How did the link up with Dance Concept and ‘Generation Hyper’ happen?
Voltage: I linked up with dance concept through Malachi who I work with under Cabin Fever UK, Benny V asked me to do a remix for this project a while back and obviously I got involved straight away.
Jamie: Did you choose the vocals for ‘S-T-E-V-I-E’ or did they just arrive in your inbox?
Voltage: The Stevie vocals were in a stem of vocals i was sent, they were just the ones that jumped out to me
Jamie: Do you have any favourites from other producers on the album? Any surprises?
Voltage: Yeah well if you have heard me play over the last year you would of heard me playing the Serial Killaz remix of ‘Junglist Soldier’ – I don’t think that will ever leave the bag. The Heist remix is baaaaad and the Jaydan remix shows how versatile he is as a producer.
Jamie: Your recent remixes of tunes such as ‘2 Degrees’ is certainly a track many would associate with Stevie Hyper D. When producing this did you reflect on the original crowds reaction when they were dropped alongside Stevie’s vocals?
Voltage: Totally – that whole ‘96 – ‘97 vibe was what I wanted to keep when remixing that which was why I didn’t stray too far from the original. The worst thing that could happen to a remix of a tune from that time is to have the whole vibe stripped away.
Jamie: Do you have a certain memory of Stevie performing at one of the big events back in the 90’s that still sticks in your mind today?
Voltage: Darren Jay and Stevie Hyper D – Energy 97, that set defines that era for me!
Tracks to watch out for..
Serial Killaz remix of Benny V & Different Levels ‘Junglist Soldier’
Champions of reggae infused Jungle, Serial Killaz should always be one of the ‘buy on sight’ artists for any true Junglist. Their ability to maintain a footprint on their production while always maintaining diversity is something few producers seem to able to maintain. ‘Junglist Soldier’ is something of a modern day masterpiece with superb use of Hyper’s vocals combined with huge basslines and feel good vibes. Do I also detect a nod to Dope Dragon in the mix?
Nookie ‘6 Million Ways To Funk’
Nookie, for those that remember, was one of the original pioneers of the Jungle scene from way back when, so to see his name of the artist line up was something of a nice surprise. Taking the same beat structure from a certain Shy FX tune and layering this over Hyper D’s rolling lyrics works really well. Solid square basslines itch in and out of the vocals which fit the ‘funk’ theme perfectly. Certainly one for both the dancefloor and the corner head-nodders.
Cabin Fever UK ‘S-T-E-V-I-E’
Trumpets combined with the vocals of Stevie Hyper D work so well, it’s as if Cabin Fever started this tune with the idea of “Stevie’s Here!”. Certainly one for the lovers of Jungle, this really goes back to the classic era but licks it with a new coat of paint. Mashed up breakbeats and solid basslines take a stance of toughness while Hyper’s lyrics roll over the top as you would expect.
Heist ‘Wanna See You Bubblin’
Jump Up’s favourite serial killer Heist, has made something of a monster here, this isn’t your typical affair of crazy synth riffs, movie samples and filtered basslines but more of a dark side tribute to Hyper D as no doubt Heist related to him. This really takes the pace of the album in a different direction and the various Hip Hop break samples really add extra depth to the track. Watch your bass bins on this one, it’s certainly going off when this gets dropped in the dance.
Congo Natty VS Stevie Hyper D
Who better than Congo Natty to create a tribute track for Stevie Hyper D? This stormer is no doubt a tune from the well respected stable and features both their trademark basslines and squelch reggae soundsystem samples in abundance. An uptempo banger that really fits well with the sample “This one dedicated to all Junglist crew”.
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