DJ Hype
As the founding member of the hip hop influenced Ganja Cru, DJ Hype brings turntablist scratching to the hyperkinetic beats of jungle.
Essentially Hype is to drum and bass as Afrika Bambaata was to the development of hip-hop. He first became involved in music through the legendary Shut Up and Dance sound system, spinning reggae, house and hip hop throughout the eighties. As time passed, his skills behind the turntable grew to the extent of winning the London heat of the 1989 DMC's and going on to represent Britain in the European championships.
This award winner found accolades in other fields; while continuing to play at high capacity events, Hype also made the move into radio, securing him Best Male DJ and Best Radio DJ at subsequent Hardcore Awards. His time in the studio began at Kickin', before laying down tracks for a number of other labels - the most notable of which, Suburban Base, saw him compiling the still highly sought after 'Drum and Bass Selection' series in addition to notching up his own underground smashes in the form of 'Trooper' and 'Shot In The Dark', while touching upon the charts with 'Isotonic' on FFRR.
With substantial success, it was only a matter of time before Hype established his own label, Ganja, in 1993, working closely with fellow ex-Suburban Base artist and friend Pascal. 'Cops' opened up the play for his Ganja imprint which was later to feature 'Ganja Man' and Zinc's legendary 'Super Sharp Shooter,' before peaking with the 'Still Smokin' album, a collaborative effort with Pascal's Frontline Records. Hype explains: "As the label built itself without me really having to do anything, I realised that if I did choose to put some effort into something, I could build something really strong, so myself, Zinc and Pascal decided to set up a label as a collective.” There marks the birth of True Playaz. Hype explains his Philosophy; “There are two things which keep me going. Firstly, I haven't got anything else - this is it for me so I've got to keep it going - I look at what I have and music has got me everything in my life as well as enabling me to help my family. Secondly I see the enthusiasm for this music from people all over the world.”
The DnB pioneer, DJ Hype will be at Po Na Na on Thursday 19th of June, from 10pm – 3am. Tickets are available on the door, £6 before 11pm, £7 after with NUS discount applicable.
