Tributes pour in as legendary drummer and bassist DJ Randall dies at 54

British artist DJ Randall passed away on July 31, 2024, at the age of 54. The tragic piece of news was confirmed to Resident Advisor by a representative of the late artist on Thursday, August 1, 2024. Since the news got released, social media platforms like Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter, have been filled with tributes to DJ Randall.

Born in April 1970, Randall mainly had expertise in the genres of jungle as well as drum & bass. No additional information about Randall's demise has been revealed as of now. The reason for death is also unknown currently. A user wrote on X,

"Such sad news…. Everyone who came up listening to Jungle/Drum N Bass knows how important this man’s influence was on the culture…. Fly high legend- DJ Randall."

Another post, by electronic duo Chase & Status, read:

"Seeing all the recent tributes and words on here sums it up perfectly. Some people are just a different class. The DJ’s DJ, a trendsetter & a real inspiration. RIP DJ Randall." - commented Chase & Status.

DJ Randall is credited with having made significant contributions to the jungle genre in the 90s.

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Exploring the life and career of DJ Randall amid the news of his demise

In 1987, as a teenager, DJ Randall got acquainted with the subgenre of acid music at the Notting Hill Carnival that year. This inspired him to purchase multiple records and follow other DJs. Randall's career began with him playing at 'Delirium' warehouse parties which were held in Stratford, East London. He grabbed the limelight after making an appearance at a rave Living Dream in Leyton.

Randall soon became quite popular on Rave FM and Rinse FM. Then in 1989, he got a proper position at Centreforce. In 1991, he formed the De Underground record label alongside DJs Cool Hand Flex, Uncle 22, and Mike De Underground. A Forest Gate record shop was also involved in this venture. Later in 2021, the shop was honored with a "heritage plaque" for "making significant contributions in the UK hardcore, jungle and drum & bass music."

In 1994, the DJ was involved in the production of a track Sound Control, in a collaboration with Andy C, who was then an emerging artist. Later Randall built another record label named "Mac2 Recordings," along with Cool Hand Flex. From Andy C to Nia Archives, several artists had cited him as being a massive influence in the drum & bass scene. Not just fans, but several fellow DJs, friends, and people who had worked with Randall had paid tributes addressing him. In a 2017 interview with Drum & Bass Arena DJ Randall said,

"I’m just a DJ who’s trying to spread a vibe and stay true to the craft, I’m not an awards type of guy. But yeah, any love and respect that comes back is very nice and appreciated..."

DJ Doc Scott, who had frequently played with Randall, took to X, formerly known as Twitter and wrote,

"When we played B2B (many times) I always joked, “hey man, I’m just trying to hang with you” .. but it was true, it was always an honour to play with the best DJ in the scene."

The duo Fabio & Grooverider tweeted:

"Absolutely devastating news ☹️, your legacy will live forever & your mark on the scene will never ever be forgotten..."

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DJ Randall was a pioneer in the field of drum & bass, and had gained quite a lot of popularity over the years and amassed a large number of fans. It had also been revealed that Randall, who was also known as the "godfather of breakbeat," was actively in the field until his demise on July 31, 2024.