Randall

Born and bred in London, DJ Randall is one of the most respected selectors in UK jungle and drum & bass, a DJ whose career is built on instinct and an uncompromising love for the music. Randall mastered the art of mixing and selection, becoming a cornerstone of the scene from pirate radio through to some of the most important club institutions in bass music history.

Randall’s relationship with DJing started in the mid-1980s, his honed his style and skills: studying music, practising relentlessly and recording weekly mixtapes to sharpen his craft. One of those tapes changed everything, earning him a regular slot on legendary pirate station Centreforce FM in 1989. It was here, broadcasting raw energy across London’s airwaves, that Randall’s reputation truly began to grow.

From the outset, Randall’s style was defined by fluidity and range. As the rave scene evolved from acid house into hardcore, jungle and eventually drum & bass, he evolved with it, not by forcing change, but by reflecting what was happening on the dancefloor. His ability to balance uplift and darkness became his signature, occupying that sweet spot between energetic bangers and darkside drum & bass.

That adaptability was clear in his transition from AWOL resident DJ, one of the most influential jungle nights of the early ’90s, to becoming a Metalheadz regular, aligning himself with the deeper, more futuristic edge of drum & bass. For Randall, these shifts weren’t about image or allegiance; they were about honesty. He played what moved him, and what moved crowds.

Though best known as a DJ, Randall has never been a stranger to the studio. Over the years he has co-produced key tracks including “Sound Control” with Andy C in 1995, “Flava’s” with Tek 9 on Reinforced’s Above The Law album, and “Hard Noize” with Tee-Bone on his Strictly Business compilation. Each release reflected his taste and restraint, collaborative, functional and rooted in the dance energy.

Eventually, Randall took full control of his creative output, setting up his own label, Mac II, and investing the time to learn production inside out. But, true to form, he never rushed the process. Aware of the expectations surrounding his name, he approached production with humility and patience, focusing on quality over quantity. For Randall, success was never about chart positions, it was about making music that felt right.

DJ Randall’s passing marked the loss of one of UK drum & bass’s most respected and quietly influential figures. A DJ’s DJ in the truest sense, Randall shaped the sound through instinct, dedication and an unwavering love for the music. From pirate radio to AWOL, Metalheadz and beyond, his selections soundtracked generations of ravers and set standards few could match. Tributes poured in from across the scene, reflecting the deep respect he earned through humility and consistency. Though gone, his mixes, records and influence continue to roll through sound systems worldwide. Gone from the booth, but never from the culture.

Essential Listening:
🎧 DJ Randall – Dreamscape Drum & Bass Mix
🎧 Randall & Andy C – “Sound Control”
🎧 Randall & Tek 9 – “Flava’s”