DJ Hype - Drum & Bass Selection 1 FLAC

I bought this tape in mid-94 ish, when the term 'Drum & Bass' wasn't really in full swing, more a case of Jungle. Back then, 'Jungle' (although a term that had been used for a number of years preceeding this point) was becoming the main force in the UK Breakbeat sound, it was suddenly available everywhere and a lot of compilations started to flood the market. I saw this tape and the fact it was 'DJ Hype' had no tracklisting and a mysterious, edgy kind of artwork was enough for me to buy it on a whim. At this point in time I was more focused or interested in Happy Breakbeat Hardcore ala Kniteforce, SMDs, Ramos, Supreme & Sunset Regime and co, so I wasn't sure what I was getting with this as I wasn't following Jungle too closely, except the odd mixtape and things like the "Hardcore Junglistic Fever" series.

Suffice to say, I really fell in love with this tape. I used to cain it on my paper rounds (even though I was 17!) and I was particularly swayed by the tracks "Shuffle", "Spiritual Aura", "Lovable" amongst others, but it was the DJ Ron remix of 'Information Centre' that really blew me away. When you listen to this mix it still retains that underground feel that made UK Hardcore Breakbeat in my eyes such a special, exciting, unusual and original form of music.

As much as I love 1992 (probably still my favourite year), you can hear a distinct maturity in these tracks, even though they still retain their Hardcore roots, they've grown and developed and the sound is, on reflection, quite gripping, mind-opening & mesmeric. I think a number of these tracks were made or developed in late 1993, so not entirely sure when this mixtape was first released or when Hype recorded it, but from the sublime scratching to the excellent mixing to the amazing tunes moving through all the aspects of the genres of Hardcore, Jungle & Drum N Bass this still ranks as one of my favourite mixes of the time and one which evokes only the sweetest of memories. Bloody awesome; respect DJ Hype & Breakdown Records :)