Old Skool Legend: MC Lenni

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MC Lenni

MC Lenni has been MCing longer than I can remember. Starting off with the likes of Fabio and Sasha in 1990, he has continued through hardcore, jungle and drum & bass and now focuses much of his attention on the old skool. He runs Ravers United over in his hometown of Birmingham. We grabbed a few words with one of the most well respected and long standing MCs in the game...

What events did you first attend, and who would you say had the biggest influence on you as a DJ / MC?
"The first event I went to was an early Eclipse (Coventry) about '89. We where all doing this around the same time, but I'd have to go with the three amigo's: Fabio, Grooverider and Micky Finn along with Everson (Ratpack) and Patrick (Top Buzz). These guys play music I understand on another level. They play music. I got a lot of respect for them."

When the hardcore scene split into happy / jungle did you find yourself wondering which way to go?
"I've got a lot of respect for happy hardcore, but I'm an out and out junglist. Jungle music utilised wicked samples and different beats, it was bit more up-tempo. The music had more formula and more format."

What did you think of the scene going from the illegal party scene to professional business ventures?
"I think it took away that naughty boy element, we weren't saying 'fuck the police' no more. We was agreeing with them and conforming to society."

Can you give us your top five MCs, and why you have chosen them please.
Everson (Ratpack) is one of the best MCs of all time, he's done as much as me and much more. Patrick (Top Buzz) as he was one of the innovators of the MCing game. My partner, Bassman. Fearless who is tops, he rocks the crowd and Skibba as he just kills it, the boy merks it out!"

What advice or knowledge would you pass on to any younger raverss that were showing an interest in the old skool scene?
"Just keep listening. It's important to hear what has gone before, because you got to deal with the past before you can deal with the future. The past is the template and foundation."