Drum & Bass, one of the most versatile genres to emerge from the UK underground scene, has thrived by pulling together a tapestry of musical influences and vocal samples that add layers of meaning, history, and intensity to its sound. Vocal samples, more than any other element, provide D&B with an identity; they’re rallying cries, sonic markers, and nostalgic echoes that remind fans of the genre’s roots while propelling it forward. These samples, taken from reggae, hip-hop, funk, soul, and even early dancehall, reflect the raw diversity and urban energy that define the genre.
A prime example is Barrington Levy's “Here I Come” with its unforgettable line, “Here I come! Broader than Broadway!” This sample has been famously integrated into tracks by artists like Shy FX and Congo Natty. The vocal chant not only reinforces the genre’s reggae ties but also provides a sense of hype and urgency. Shy FX’s “Everyday” breathes new life into the original line, layering it over fast-paced breaks and a relentless bassline. Meanwhile, Congo Natty, often seen as a pioneer of jungle music, uses the “Here I come” sample in his track “Junglist” to emphasize the genre’s dancehall influence. Barrington Levy's original track is powerful in its own right, with echoes that resonate through the D&B scene as a tribute to reggae.
Another significant vocal sample that has become part of the drum & bass fabric is Rebel MC’s rallying cry, “It’s a junglist movement!” Rebel MC, who is also known as Congo Natty, brought this phrase into his own jungle and D&B productions to ignite a sense of unity within the genre. The sample represents the feeling of being part of a cultural movement, a theme that resonated widely as jungle and drum & bass grew from underground scenes into global phenomena. This sample frequently appears in live mixes and remixes, like Shy FX’s “Original Nuttah,” where DJs use it to rally audiences with its iconic phrasing. The original track, Rebel MC's "It’s a Junglist Movement", shows the fusion of jungle’s reggae roots with modern dance beats, forever encapsulating the genre’s ethos.
The sound of D&B wouldn’t be complete without hip-hop’s influence, and no artist represents this crossover better than KRS-One with his unmistakable “Woo woo!” from Sound of Da Police. The sample imitates a police siren and has become a standard in darker, urban D&B tracks. When woven into the beats of tracks like Dillinja’s “Grimey” and Ray Keith’s “Chopper,” the sample brings an element of street energy and tension that reflects the rough, raw side of D&B. Both Dillinja and Ray Keith embrace the gritty, heavy vibe that KRS-One’s sample invokes, making these tracks staples for those seeking D&B’s edgier sounds. Check out KRS-One’s original track to hear the roots of this iconic siren-like chant.
Public Enemy’s music has long been sampled in D&B, especially their track “Bring the Noise” featuring Chuck D’s powerful line, “Bass! How low can you go?” This sample brings a powerful and direct shout-out to D&B’s bass-centric sound, providing the perfect way to emphasize bass drops. In classic tracks like Renegade’s “Terrorist” and Future Cut’s “Whiplash,” this phrase amplifies the intense basslines and fast-paced beats, highlighting the genre’s energy and aggression. Listening to Public Enemy’s original track, it’s easy to see how the phrase’s hype and intensity fit perfectly within drum & bass.
The soulful “Brothers and sisters!” from The Winstons’ Color Him Father is another powerful sample that has been subtly woven into D&B’s sonic DNA. Originally known for their Amen Break, The Winstons also contributed this line, which has been used in tracks like Goldie’s “Inner City Life” and Roni Size’s “Brown Paper Bag.” These tracks capture the genre’s introspective side, especially in moments that focus on unity and soulful beats. The Winstons’ “Color Him Father” encapsulates the genre’s soul and depth, making it an ideal fit for these two reflective yet powerful D&B anthems.
James Brown and his band’s track, Funky Drummer, is known primarily for its famous drum break, but his ad-libbed vocal exclamations also appear in D&B as rhythmic anchors. Tracks like Shy FX’s “Bambaata” and LTJ Bukem’s “Atlantis” are inspired by the spontaneous, “funky” vocalizations that James Brown exudes throughout his track. These D&B tracks are emblematic of how the genre incorporates both breakbeats and subtle vocal samples to create rhythmically complex compositions. Listen to James Brown’s “Funky Drummer” to hear the original calls and responses that D&B producers have transformed into rhythmic and atmospheric effects.
The vocal phrase “Original nuttah!” from Shy FX & UK Apache’s track of the same name is another cultural marker within jungle and D&B. Frequently sampled in remixes and referenced in live sets, this chant is as close as one can get to a jungle anthem. Remixes like Chase & Status’ “Original Nuttah 25” take the chant into a modern context, showing its timeless appeal and central place in jungle’s legacy. Benny Page’s “Champion Sound” pays similar homage to this foundational track by incorporating its vocal stylings to create that distinctive jungle vibe. You can revisit the genre’s roots in the original “Original Nuttah” track.
The classic line “This is a journey into sound” from Eric B. & Rakim’s Paid in Full (Coldcut Remix) brings an epic, almost cinematic feel to jungle and D&B. The phrase, sampled from Geoffrey Sumner’s instructional recordings, sets the tone for iconic tracks like Omni Trio’s “Renegade Snares” and Foul Play’s “Being with You.” Both of these tracks incorporate atmospheric elements that turn the phrase into a literal journey through sound, making it feel like an immersive experience. Explore the roots of this iconic line by listening to the Coldcut Remix of “Paid in Full”.
Finally, Rock Master Scott & the Dynamic Three contributed another rallying cry with their chant “The roof, the roof, the roof is on fire!” This line has been sampled in jungle and drum & bass as a way to hype up crowds and energize live sets. Tracks like DJ Hype’s remix of “The Chopper” and Aphrodite’s “Bad Ass” incorporate this chant or similar hype shouts to create intense, high-energy moments. The original track, “The Roof Is on Fire”, is a testament to the energy that D&B and jungle channels into live performance, with crowds echoing these chants in unison.
Each of these samples carries with it a unique influence, whether it’s the reggae spirit of Barrington Levy or the defiant attitude of Public Enemy. Through creative repurposing, these vocal lines have become symbolic markers in D&B, forming an intricate web of cultural references that speaks to the genre’s diverse roots. The synergy between vocal samples and D&B’s heavy, rhythmic beats ensures that these lines are more than just sound bites—they’re the heartbeat of the genre.