Papa G, a name you may well remember from the early days of Kool FM. Well now he’s back in the spotlight with some brand new releases on the cards. Check the exclusive interview with Jamie S23 below..
Before we talk about anything else, we need to talk about D-Livin’s ‘Why’.
“The original, produced by D-Livin (a production duo consisting of 2 brothers) actually came out way back in ‘92. That’s a crazy amount of time ago.
What many people won’t know or probably remember is that Ash Attack produced a wicked remix back in ‘93 which was never released.
I would love to get my hands on a copy of that!
It only seems like yesterday when I put together my remix alongside Aries. It was however, released in 2013! I always wanted to remix ‘Why’, it’s been a personal favourite since I heard the original.”
Considering the date of release, it must have been one of the first early jungle tunes?
“Exactly! Everyone talks about how Lennie De Ice’s ‘We Are I.E’ was the first jungle tune, maybe it was, maybe it wasn’t but you can’t forget about all the other tunes that influenced a genre that wasn’t even named at the time.”
How did the link with Serum and the 2016 remix happen?
“I knew the time was right for another remix of ‘Why’ and Serum really was my only choice based on what he’s been doing in the scene over the last few years. I really rate his production style, he’s very true to the foundations of the scene but also bringing things bang up to date.
The original samples were still stored on my computer so it was just a case of sending them over to Serum and let him work his magic.”
It’s been doing the rounds of dubplate for a while now but it seems only a few people have it?
“Exactly that! I sent it to Nicky Blackmarket, Ray Keith, Randall and Brockie. I knew it would suit their sets and also, I wanted the track to be represented properly.
I’m not a fan of sending out new material to every DJ on the planet, especially when it’s a remix as special as this.
I think Serum also gave it to Hype – he’s been rinsing it!
One thing to remember here is that when dubplates were actually dubplates, DJs and producers couldn’t afford to press up 100’s of copies so only a select few received brand new music before it went on general release. If everyone has the same tune before release it certainly slows down momentum and interest.”
When was the Serum remixed finished?
“Christmas 2015!”
That’s some time ago now, is a full release on the cards this year?
“Probably early next year, that’s a full vinyl and digital release. Bear in mind that it’s going to form part of an EP which will be released by my label – Hazardous Musik.”
What else can we expect from Hazardous Music in 2017?
“I’ll be releasing an E.P called Health Warning Part 3 which will bring the ‘Why’ remix to the massive along with some great material from the likes of DJ Westy among others.
I’ve also been working on remixes for Mark Kemet from Kemet Records, these tracks will include ‘Love For The World’ and ‘Can You Feel The Rush’.
Other tracks in the pipeline including a project with DJ Monk for his label K.L.P Records, the track is a remix of ‘Stop Fighting’. L-Double’s Flex Records has a remix of Deadly D’s ’ Punani Have Fe Nurse’ from me also.
One more thing..Keep an eye out for a Papa G & Funky Flirt remix of ‘Set It’ for Congo Natty, that’s going to be massive!”
Any DJ sets coming up?
“25th November I’m playing at United Colours of Jungle which is being held at Qube in London, 14th January KLP Record Past, Present + Future Album launch party & Payback at PST Club in Birmingham and 3rd February 2017 at Jungle Therapy at Union in London .”
Shouts and big ups?
“I would to send shout out to all DJs supporting both Hazardous Musik and Papa G, Funky Flirt, Rebel MC, Congo Natty, Kool London, Dream FM, Mark Ranger (Kemet Records), DJ Monk, Dapz aka Compound Audio for your mastering, my Brimingham bro Aries, Gold Dubs, K-Jah, Vytol, Jinx and not forget daddy’s biggest fans & junglist babies (even though not babies anymore) Katie, Faith & Aaliyah as well as family & close friend.”