Jungle music is a genre of dance music that developed out of the UK rave scene and sound system culture in the 1990s. It emerged from breakbeat hardcore and was a form of cultural expression for Londons lower-class urban youth. Jungle reflected the feelings of disenfranchisement and disillusionment with a seemingly crumbling societal structure. It was notably a more dark and less euphoric style of music than many of the other styles popular at raves.
Jungle music is characterized by fast cuts, carefully arranged breaks, sharp percussion, and occasional piercing vocals. The music was primarily made using samples - pre-recorded loops of breaks, older tracks, vocal chops, or effects. The name "jungle" was chosen as a representation of the hectic, raw atmosphere that emanated from the rapid genre. Jungle music is known for its deep yet soulful basslines and emotional harmonies, creating a unique mix of sounds, influences, and cultures.
Jungle music is often associated with drum and bass, which saw success in the late 1990s. While drum and bass remains relatively mainstream today, jungle fell back into its underground lair. Those who still identify as junglists do so out of honesty and genuine passion for the sound and have managed to keep jungle music fresh for the past two decades.
In summary, jungle music is a genre of dance music that emerged from the UK rave scene and sound system culture in the 1990s. It is characterized by fast cuts, carefully arranged breaks, sharp percussion, and occasional piercing vocals. The music was primarily made using samples, and the name "jungle" was chosen as a representation of the hectic, raw atmosphere that emanated from the rapid genre. Jungle music is often associated with drum and bass, which saw success in the late 1990s.