Randall, drum & bass legend, dies at 54
East London legend helped forge the 90s scene
Tributes from the dance world have been pouring in following the news that original jungle and drum & bass legend Randall has died aged 54.
RAM Records – who released a rare production by the DJ, ‘Sound Control’, produced with label boss Andy C – “We are heartbroken by the loss of DJ Randall, a founding legend of the scene whose legacy will continue to inspire us all. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this incredibly sad time.”
Goldie’s Metalheadz, whose Sunday Sessions night at Hoxton’s Blue Note club featured him as a resident, said: “Everyone at Metalheadz is absolutely devastated to learn of the passing of one of our own. A uniquely loveable character with a heart of gold, we will miss you very much Randall.”
His fellow resident DJ Fabio posted a moving tribute to Randall, saying “what you see nowadays with nearly every Dj on the planet was invented by Randall”, along with a picture of the pair together in happier times.
DJ Empress, meanwhile, paid tribute to the support he gave to female DJs in the early 90s. “He was so generous, so funny, absolutely so respectful at a time when there were only a handful of us females in the scene and I will always be utterly grateful for his kindness and support. We lost a total legend. Much love to you all in the Jungle / D&B community worldwide”
DJ Fresh said: “RIP Randall You were such a big influence to me and my friends. And I was lucky to get to work with and hang out with you. You got a generation of kids into Drum & Bass when it was still called Jungle and you inspired the people that inspired me. Rest in peace my friend, you will live on in our hearts and our music.”
Randall first got into mixing and scratching with vinyl in the late 80s after discovering acid house at 1987’s Notting Hill Carnival. and appeared on pirate radio stations such as Rave FM and Centreforce at the turn of the 90s. He also helped co-found the DeUnderground record shop, based in Newham in East London, and associated record label with Cool Hand Flex and Mike De Underground. The shop operated from 1991 until 1996, and helped inspire the further co-founding of another label with Cool Hand Flex, Mac2 Recordings, in 1996.