UK Breakbeat Pioneer DJ Randall Dies at Age 54

DJ Randall was instrumental in the development of jungle, which later evolved into drum and bass.

The untimely loss of another key figure in jungle and drum and bass has rattled the electronic music world as Randall McNeil aka DJ Randall has passed away at age 54.

McNeil’s death was confirmed by his representatives. No cause of death has been given, and McNeil was not widely known to be suffering from any serious illnesses. As recently as Monday, he was onboard an Outlook Origins boat party — and he was slated to perform at a Drum and Bass Classics event on August 24.

Called the “Godfather of Breakbeat” by many, DJ Randall was first introduced to electronic music when he heard acid house at Notting Hill Carnival in 1987. At a time when producers were developing new styles of music at a breakneck pace, he became well known for his distinct take on the breakbeat hardcore genre. He also made appearances on pirate radio stations like Rave FM, Rinse FM, and Centreforce.

By McNeil’s own telling in conversation with UKF, it was a time when artists “could chuck things at a wall and see what would stick.” As breakbeat hardcore evolved into jungle and then into drum and bass, key records like his and Andy C‘s 1994 single “Sound Control” helped cement him as a figurehead of the nascent scene alongside the likes of Fabio & Grooverider.

In 1996, McNeil teamed up with Cool Hand Flex to launch a record label called Mac2 Recordings. In addition to the two artists’ music, the imprint also gave a home to records by the likes of Defcon One, Rising Sun, and Soul Intent.

DJ Randall is not the only junglist to pass away in recent memory. In April, both MC Conrad and MC Duke both died of unspecified causes.

We here at EDM Identity offer our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of DJ Randall during what can only be a difficult time.