Congo Natty aka Rebel MC

Congo Natty is a central figure in the story of jungle — not just as a producer, but as one of the architects who helped shape its cultural and spiritual foundations. Raised in London, his career traces the full arc of modern UK bass music, from late-’80s hip hop through hardcore and into the birth of jungle.

He first entered the public spotlight under the name Rebel MC, achieving mainstream success with Double Trouble. Singles such as Just Keep Rockin’ and the chart-defining Street Tuff made him a household name, leading to national television appearances and the release of Rebel Music in 1990. Despite this success, the sound of pop-rap did not reflect his deeper musical direction.

That shift became clear with Black Meaning Good in 1991. Blending underground hardcore with dubwise bass pressure, the album marked a decisive turn toward a new hybrid sound. Crucially, it brought established reggae voices — including Dennis Brown, Tenor Fly, and Barrington Levy — into the rave environment, laying key foundations for jungle before it had a name.

As the early ’90s unfolded, Rebel MC built the infrastructure around this emerging sound. Labels such as Tribal Bass and X-Project provided platforms for experimental releases rooted in reggae, sound system culture, and urban British experience. Tracks like The Wickedest Sound and Tribal Bass signalled a new direction for UK dance music, heavy with meaning as well as bass.

By 1994, operating under the Congo Natty banner, he released Code Red, a record that crystallised jungle as a national movement. Over the following years, Congo Natty became synonymous with original jungle energy, releasing landmark tracks including Police in Helicopter and Champion DJ under the Blackstar name.

After years of intense creative output, his focus turned inward. Deepening his commitment to Rastafari, he stepped away from regular releases and distancing himself from the commercial pressures of the industry.

A return to Ethiopia in 2007 marked a renewal. Re-energised and purposeful, he returned to music with a renewed emphasis on culture, community, and creative freedom. Since then, Congo Natty has continued to support and develop new talent while remaining a guiding presence within jungle’s ongoing evolution.

For Congo Natty, jungle has never been a trend. It is a living culture — rooted in sound system tradition, resistance, and spiritual expression — and one he continues to carry forward.

Essential Tracks:
🎧 Rebel MC – Street Tuff
🎧 Rebel MC – Tribal Bass
🎧 Congo Natty – Code Red
🎧 Blackstar – Police in Helicopter
🎧 Blackstar – Champion DJ

Jungle as culture. Jungle as message. Jungle for life.