Roni Size and Reprazent are a British drum and bass collective that rose to fame in the late 90s with their groundbreaking album, “New Forms.” The album won the Mercury Music Prize in 1997 and cemented Roni Size and Reprazent’s place in music history. Since then, the group has released several critically acclaimed albums and has continued to influence the drum and bass genre.
Their sound is characterized by intricate breakbeats, soulful vocals, and innovative use of samples. Their music has been described as a fusion of drum and bass, hip hop, and jazz, with a distinctly British flavor. Roni Size and Reprazent’s music has been highly influential, inspiring countless producers and artists across the globe.
In this article, we will be counting down the top 10 best Roni Size and Reprazent songs of all time. This list includes tracks from their early releases, as well as more recent material. From the anthemic “Brown Paper Bag” to the soulful “Watching Windows,” these songs showcase the group’s incredible versatility and innovative approach to drum and bass. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the genre, this list is sure to provide an excellent introduction to the world of Roni Size and Reprazent. So sit back, relax, and prepare to be blown away by some of the best drum and bass music ever created.
1. Brown Paper Bag
“Brown Paper Bag” by Roni Size & Reprazent is a drum and bass classic that features a catchy saxophone riff, hypnotic bassline and rapid-fire beats. Released in 1997, the song became an instant hit, winning the Mercury Prize in the same year. Its music video, which features a group of dancers performing in an abandoned warehouse, perfectly captures the raw energy and intensity of the track. “Brown Paper Bag” remains a seminal track in the drum and bass genre and continues to be a popular choice for DJs and fans alike.
2. Heroes
“Heroes” by Roni Size & Reprazent is a soulful drum and bass track that features powerful vocals from singer-songwriter Rahzel. Released in 2000, the song is a tribute to the everyday heroes who make a difference in our lives. The track is built around a stirring piano melody and a driving bassline, which provide a powerful backdrop for Rahzel’s soulful vocals. The song’s message of hope and inspiration has made it a favorite among fans of the drum and bass genre, and it remains a standout track in Roni Size & Reprazent’s impressive catalog.
3. New Forms
“New Forms” by Roni Size & Reprazent is the title track from their critically acclaimed debut album, which won the Mercury Prize in 1997. The song is a masterpiece of drum and bass, featuring a complex rhythm section, intricate electronic sounds, and a hypnotic bassline. The track also features the soulful vocals of Onallee, which add an extra layer of depth to the already intricate production. “New Forms” showcases Roni Size & Reprazent’s ability to blend elements of jazz, funk, and hip-hop into the drum and bass genre, creating a unique sound that has stood the test of time.
4. Lucky Pressure
“Lucky Pressure” is a standout track from Roni Size & Reprazent’s second album, “In the Møde”. The song features a driving drum and bass beat, with intricate percussion and pulsating basslines that create an intense atmosphere. The track also includes a catchy vocal hook from singer-songwriter Zack de la Rocha, best known as the lead vocalist of Rage Against the Machine. “Lucky Pressure” showcases Roni Size & Reprazent’s ability to fuse different genres, incorporating elements of rock and hip-hop into their signature drum and bass sound. The track is a testament to the group’s innovative approach to music production and their willingness to push the boundaries of the genre.
5. Ghetto Celebrity Feat. Method Man
“Ghetto Celebrity” is a collaboration between Roni Size & Reprazent and Method Man, a member of the legendary hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan. The track features Method Man’s signature flow over a gritty drum and bass beat, with sharp synths and heavy basslines that add to the intense atmosphere. The song’s lyrics touch on the struggles of being a celebrity in the ghetto, and the pressures that come with fame. “Ghetto Celebrity” is a standout track from Roni Size & Reprazent’s third album, “In the Mode”, and showcases their ability to seamlessly blend different genres and collaborate with other artists.
6. Hot Stuff
“Hot Stuff” is a high-energy drum and bass track that features a driving beat, intricate percussion, and a pulsating bassline. The song’s title is a nod to the disco classic by Donna Summer, which is sampled throughout the track. “Hot Stuff” also incorporates elements of funk and soul, with brass hits and funky guitar riffs adding to the track’s lively atmosphere. The song is a testament to Roni Size & Reprazent’s ability to create tracks that are both dancefloor-friendly and musically complex, and remains a fan favorite in the drum and bass genre.
7. Snapshot
“Snapshot” is a drum and bass track by Roni Size & Reprazent that features a driving beat, intricate percussion, and a pulsating bassline. The song also includes a catchy vocal sample that adds to the track’s infectious energy. “Snapshot” showcases Roni Size & Reprazent’s ability to create tracks that are both musically complex and dancefloor-friendly, with a sound that blends elements of jazz, funk, and hip-hop. The song is a standout track from their third album, “In the Mode”, and remains a fan favorite in the drum and bass genre.
8. Watching Windows
“Watching Windows” is a soulful drum and bass track that features the soulful vocals of singer-songwriter Zachary Breaux. The song is built around a beautiful piano melody and a driving beat, with Breaux’s vocals adding an extra layer of emotion to the already poignant production. “Watching Windows” is a standout track from Roni Size & Reprazent’s debut album, “New Forms”, and showcases their ability to infuse elements of jazz and soul into the drum and bass genre. The song remains a fan favorite and a testament to the group’s innovative approach to music production.
9. On and On
“On and On” is a soulful drum and bass track by Roni Size & Reprazent, featuring the smooth vocals of singer-songwriter Dynamite MC. The song is built around a warm bassline and a driving beat, with Dynamite MC’s vocals adding an extra layer of emotion to the already powerful production. “On and On” showcases the group’s ability to fuse elements of jazz, funk, and soul into the drum and bass genre, creating a unique sound that has stood the test of time. The song remains a fan favorite and a testament to Roni Size & Reprazent’s innovative approach to music production.
10. Railing
“Railing” is a gritty drum and bass track that features a driving beat, pulsating bassline, and sharp synths. The track builds gradually, with layers of percussion and synths adding to the intense atmosphere. “Railing” showcases Roni Size & Reprazent’s ability to create tracks that are both musically complex and dancefloor-friendly, with a sound that is both innovative and hard-hitting. The song is a standout track from their second album, “In the Mode”, and remains a fan favorite in the drum and bass genre.
Macey West is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
