Welcome to On A Ragga Tip, Knowledge's corner for the ragga scene. It's no secret that since the 1980's ragga music has grown immensely in popularity and form. Since then, the birth of ragga jungle has spawned, bringing a new light to the scene as well as bringing back old school fans and producers in addition to bridging gaps between the genres.

 

It is my honour to cover the past, present and future of this globally accepted subgenre of the drum & bass world. Just who am I? I'm Ragga Scum and here's my story:

 

The year was 1978. Space Invaders hit the arcades, the 'Son of Sam' was convicted of murder, and Saturday Night Fever was taking frenzy in theatres around the world. Having been born and raised most of my life on Long Island, NY I was privy to an onslaught of culturally diverse music and art. Subjected to the sounds of the 70s and 80s, my parents introduced me to music through an array of artists from The Doors, Jefferson Airplane, Johnny Cash, and Kenny Rogers all the way to The Clash and Devo.

 

Around the age of eight I began playing the alto saxophone, studying classical and jazz music. I continued my education in classical and contemporary music all through high school when I was released out into the wild where I would evidentially sink or swim.

 

While working at a music store in 1995, I snagged a copy of The Chemical Brothers 'Exit Planet Dust'. It was my first taste of electronic music. I was fascinated by these magnificent and newly composed sounds and I wanted more. I began collecting mixed tapes from local DJs and four years later, I had my first live DJ experience.

 

I was in an old B-52 hangar in Rome, NY at Woodstock '99; Dieselboy was on stage and it was at this moment that I was nestled into the arms of drum & bass. Since this date I have moved forward and have never looked back but only to thank those who have helped me along the way.

 

Shortly after my experience in the hangar I moved to Kansas City, MO and began performing and focusing on production. I began opening parties and clubs and have since moved to headlining substantial events and festivals, playing internationally. Over the years, under various production crew names and currently head of Konkrete Jungle KC, I've done my best to sustain and educate the local area not only in the d&b realm but also in EDM as a whole.

 

Throughout the years we've brought in distinguished and talented acts from the Jungle Brothers, Evol Intent, Starscream, to Twinhooker of Mad Dem Sound in efforts to give the people of Kansas City an outlet to view such acts and locals the chance to play with their heroes.

 

Since 2005 I have been label boss of Warlord Dubplate, home to artists such as Direct Feed, Mainframe, Prodigal Son and yours truly. Along with future side-label projects on Kaiser and Monera Recordings, I have also put out releases with Hum Fi Drum, BadDog Jungle, Bludclot Recordings.

 

I am also working on some future releases with Dead Homies. Artistically, I am all for heavy Amens and hard basslines, however with my background I can appreciate all sorts of musical alterations. In the end I am humbled to be able to bring this gift to you - from my mind to yours. Please enjoy.

 

For more info on releases and other projects:

www.raggascum.com

www.twitter.com/raggascum

www.myspace.com/raggascum

www.konkretejunglekc.com

www.twitter.com/kjkcmo

www.myspace.com/konkretejunglekc

 

Related Links:

• Welcome - But Who Is Ragga Scum?
• Rototom & Warlord Dubplate Competition
• Rototom & Warlord Dubplate Competition
• Top Ragga Jungle Releases Sep 2010
• Top Ragga Jungle Releases Sep 2010

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