Wiz Khalifa's 'Kush + Orange Juice' changed his game. 15 years later, a sequel recaptures the spirit
Who understood the cool kids better than Wiz Khalifa? In 2010, the easygoing Pittsburgh rapper released his breakout mixtape 'Kush + Orange Juice," crafting the ideal soundtrack for stylish stoners — breezy songs about girls and weed broadcast through his generously enunciated flow.
For those paying attention, mass commercial appeal was all but assured. Just five years later he'd release the diamond-selling 'See You Again' with singer Charlie Puth for the 'Furious 7" film, one of the biggest songs of the decade.
'A lot of artists who, you know, stick to what originally made them, them — they don't get the opportunity to make a hit song like that,' he told The Associated Press. 'So, I really feel blessed and grateful to have songs like that under my belt.'
Now, a decade from 'See You Again' and 15 years removed from "Kush + Orange Juice," he's gearing up to release a sequel, 'Kush + Orange Juice 2,' out Friday. Leading up to the album, Khalifa started dropping freestyles — a nostalgic return to his early career days, the era where discovering hot new records meant scouring rap blogs and SoundCloud. Listeners ate it up.
'It's just something I just kept doing for my fans and for the people who support me,' he said of the freestyles. 'That really sparked the fire and just let me know that there was a demand for that again.'
Khalifa was already working on 'Kush + Orange Juice 2' when he started releasing the freestyles, but the interest from his fans certainly helped embolden the project. He wanted to tap into the feel-good nature of the original.
'The excitement for it came from what the music actually does for people or what it reminds them of,' he explained. 'I think they get a feeling of some of the best times and some of the most fun and important times. And if you want that now, then you're gonna turn my music on and I'm gonna give you something new for you to have those same experiences.'
And there are similarities: The radio skit of the first mixtape endures on the second, but most importantly, there is a shared lackadaisical cool — from the smooth melodicism of '5 Star' to the anthemic 'Khalifa's Home" — accomplished with the help of some robust features: Gunna, Don Toliver, DJ Quick, Juicy J, Ty Dolla $ign, Terrace Martin, Curren$y and more.
'Everyone who's involved with it ... they're really close to what the origin of the actual 'Kush + Orange Juice' story. So, it just makes sense, and it just makes the story even bigger," he says.
In a song near the end of the new album, 'Super Duper High Outro,' Khalifa suggests there may be a third installment in the 'Kush + Orange Juice' series. "If we wanna do number three, we'll do number three," he says on the track. "I'll see y'all in 10 years, man."
'We'll keep it going," he says of the series. 'Just keep it going nonstop.'
But for now, he wants people to connect with 'Kush + Orange Juice 2' like they did with the first one.
'I just hope that they need this in their life, and that this is the perfect thing to come at the perfect time,' he says of the album. It certainly doesn't hurt that it's releasing 4/20 weekend.
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Scotsman
5 days ago
- Scotsman
Rave tapes: The most valuable cassettes from the 1990s rave scene
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Voicemail recordings and lo-fi dubbing - a look back to the world of the '90s rave tape. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Long before Spotify and Soundcloud, cassette tape trading was how many discovered new music. With it came a flood of releases from some of the biggest dance promoters of the '90s - but in a very underground way. Benjamin Jackson looks back at the era of the rave tape, some of the bigger names in the scene and if any of them are worth anything in 2025. Before streaming playlists and instant downloads, how did a generation get their hands on the freshest, most electrifying sounds? Cast your mind back to the late '80s and '90s in the UK, when rave culture exploded, driven not by major labels, but by a humble, clunky format: the rave tape . These weren't just mere recordings. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Instead, they were the lifeline of an underground movement, passed hand-to-hand like sacred scrolls. If you've ever wondered how the acid house revolution spread from secret warehouses to car journeys across the M25 , this is your rewind button. Ahead of both Creamfields 2025 and Tomorrowland taking place this year, let's go back in time to an era where raves were illegal , 'the man' didn't like people having fun, and going to a show sometimes involved calling a mobile and learning where to go by voicemail… … and of course, the cassette tapes and clamshells that frequented glove compartments and cassette decks at the time. Dance music in the early 90s - what led to the start of releasing tapes? Before Spotify or YouTube, ravers would head to independent record stores or buy live tapes of the shows through mail order services - many of which where DIY operations. | Getty Images/Discogs Necessity – basically. The era of rave tapes truly flourished in the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s, a period often referred to as the ' Golden Age of Rave '. It was a time when dance music was exploding across the UK, moving from acid house's underground origins into diverse genres like hardcore, jungle, drum & bass, and happy hardcore . Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The entire rave scene was built on a DIY foundation. Promoters and fans took matters into their own hands, bootlegging sets, photocopying covers, and setting up informal distribution networks, bypassing traditional music industry structures entirely. Some old-school ravers will tell you tales of phoning a mobile number to hear a voicemail message giving directions to the rave. Others will recount just randomly being in an area, only to spot fellow revellers marching to a hidden location where an illegal rave was set to be – sometimes traveling the stretch of the M25 corridor to do so. So naturally, with the nature of raves being somewhat of a 'stain on the moral decency of the United Kingdom' at the time, the commercial aspect wasn't something at the forefront – yet. That would be nearly a decade later when Clubland blew up. Before widespread high-speed internet and digital downloads, and the likes of Alice Deejay, Fragma , Ministry of Sound , and Cream became staples in the UK singles and album charts, there was no easy way to distribute new music or capture live sets. Cassette tapes were the most accessible and affordable medium. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad So instead, in true DIY fashion, promoters would release their own tapes; lovingly put together in either the now iconic clamshells (which would sometimes hold seven to eight tapes featuring an entire night of music), or as one-shot single cassette tapes dedicated to a particular DJ who performed for the promoter's club night. There were two methods fans could get their hands on the music: one was by virtue of dubplates – unique tracks and mixes that would be pressed onto vinyl as one-offs – or the much cheaper option of dubbing a number of cassette tapes off one master recording. As it stood, tapes were one of the few affordable ways to record these often legendary, one-off events and share them with those who couldn't attend or wanted to relive the experience. They have since become vital historical documents of the culture. Tapes also allowed these fresh, cutting-edge sounds to quickly spread across the country, influencing other DJs and producers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Could they be picked up at HMV or Fopp at the time? Not really – though when the likes of Hixxy released commercial CDs of Bonkers , most of the time mainstream stores like HMV or Fopp were more geared towards chart music and major label releases. Instead, it was more of an underground operation to release these tapes – again, going back to the DIY ethos of the genre. The most common place to buy tapes was directly at the events, often from stalls set up by the promoters themselves or by independent sellers. Key independent record stores, particularly in major cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol, that catered specifically to dance music, imports, and underground genres, were vital hubs. There were also rave fanzines like Eternity or Dream Magazine that would feature adverts for mail-order tape lists. You'd send cash through the post and receive your tapes back. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad For the unscrupulous, though – they'd just dub the tapes and palm them off to friends, which admittedly wasn't ideal. Not because of piracy, but because generations of dubbing these tapes led to a loss of sound quality… which wasn't ideal when the fidelity of the recordings wasn't perfect in the first place. Who were some of the 'main players' releasing tapes at the time? Dreamscape Arguably one of the most iconic and largest promoters in the UK, Dreamscape truly defined the 'super-rave' era. Based primarily in the South East (often in vast venues around Milton Keynes and Bletchley), Dreamscape's multi-arena raves were legendary for their immense scale, intricate production, immersive themes, and consistently stellar lineups. Their events were grand, almost magical spectacles that drew tens of thousands of attendees. Their tape packs, often professionally compiled with distinct, instantly recognisable artwork, meticulously documented every set from their massive events. These collections crucially captured the evolution of rave music from the breakneck intensity of hardcore into the complex rhythms of jungle and drum & bass. Vibealite A huge name in the Midlands rave scene, particularly known for its high-energy hardcore and happy hardcore events. From its core in Nottinghamshire, drawing crowds from across the region including Mansfield and Birmingham, Vibealite forged a distinct identity rooted in fast, anthemic beats and uplifting vocals. Their events were known for their electric atmosphere and dedicated crowds, fostering a strong sense of community. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Vibealite tapes capture the raw intensity of these all-night parties, making them essential for fans of the unique and influential Midlands sound that propelled many DJs to prominence. Fantazia Another enormous promoter, Fantazia carved out its place as a cornerstone of the UK rave scene by hosting truly colossal events across the country, including in the Midlands. Known for pioneering huge, immersive experiences that often included elaborate stage designs and theatrics, Fantazia consistently drew immense crowds. While perhaps less exclusive to the tape-only market than some, their events were meticulously recorded, and Fantazia tapes became hugely popular and widely distributed. These tape packs captured the vibrant atmosphere and diverse sounds of their sprawling parties, offering fans a crucial piece of the energy they experienced live. Fantazia's visually distinctive branding also helped solidify its place as a definitive brand of the early 90s rave explosion. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Helter Skelter, Universe, Slammin' Vinyl These were other major promoters from the M25/South East circuit, representing the pinnacle of the super-rave era. Moving beyond the initial, often illicit, warehouse parties, these giants of the scene regularly hosted colossal, licensed events in vast venues around the M25 corridor and across the South East. They offered multiple arenas catering to a diverse range of dance music genres, from blistering hardcore and intricate jungle to euphoric trance and progressive house. Their tape packs were legendary for their sheer scale, often comprising multi-tape sets that meticulously documented entire nights, showcasing sets from every key DJ and arena. Bonkers While Bonkers did initially host a series of high-energy happy hardcore club nights and events, its most significant and lasting impact was undoubtedly as a hugely successful compilation album series and brand. Emerging in the mid-1990s, Bonkers became the definitive commercial face of Happy Hardcore, a genre characterised by its rapid tempos, uplifting melodies, and often vocal-driven tracks. Curated and mixed by influential DJs like Hixxy and Sharkey, the Bonkers CD compilations achieved phenomenal sales, reaching millions of listeners far beyond the traditional rave circuit. This marked a pivotal moment, transitioning the genre from its underground, tape-distributed roots into mainstream retail outlets. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Bonkers not only brought Happy Hardcore to a much wider audience but also cemented the commercial viability of dance music compilations, making it a household name for a generation. Who were some DJs who featured on the tapes that went on to do bigger things? Many DJs became legends through their sets on these tapes, building huge reputations that propelled them to international stardom or cemented their enduring influence: Carl Cox While he transcended any single genre to become a global techno superstar, Carl Cox was a powerful and unforgettable force in the early rave scene. Known for his legendary three-deck wizardry and incredible, infectious energy behind the decks, his early rave sets on tape showcased his versatility and sheer charisma. Whether dropping hardcore, techno, or house, Cox's sets were renowned for their driving rhythms and an almost spiritual connection with the crowd. His ability to deliver pure exhilaration through his mixing made his tape sets highly sought after, solidifying his reputation as a true master of the craft even before his worldwide fame. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Hixxy Hixxy truly became synonymous with the Bonkers brand, not just as a DJ but as a pivotal figure who helped define the sound of Happy Hardcore. His energetic mixing style, characterized by rapid-fire transitions and an uncanny ability to select the most anthemic tracks, was central to the genre's massive success. Beyond his DJ sets, Hixxy was also a prolific producer, crafting many of the genre's defining tunes. He was instrumental in shaping the accessible, uplifting sound that turned happy hardcore into a mainstream phenomenon, reaching millions through the Bonkers compilations and making him one of the most recognised and beloved names in the genre. Slipmatt (Matthew Nelson) A true pioneer and hugely popular DJ from the hardcore/jungle scene, Slipmatt was a ubiquitous presence on rave tapes throughout the 90s. As a resident at many major raves, including Vibealite and Dreamscape, his high-energy, versatile sets (moving from hardcore into early jungle and then happy hardcore) were constantly in demand on tape. He was known for his seamless mixing and ability to whip a crowd into a frenzy. Beyond his DJing, he was also a key producer and part of the chart-topping group SL2 ('On a Ragga Tip'). Slipmatt's consistent presence and enduring popularity ensured his influence spanned decades, shaping the sound for generations. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Grooverider & Fabio These two visionary DJs were absolutely pivotal in shaping the sound of jungle and drum & bass, particularly from their base in London. Their legendary 'Rage' club night at Heaven became a crucible for the new sound, transitioning from hardcore breaks into the darker, more intricate rhythms of what would become jungle. Their recorded sets from 'Rage' and other key events were essential listening on tape, establishing them as tastemakers and long-standing figureheads of the genre. Known for their sophisticated track selection, deep basslines, and seamless, extended mixes, Grooverider and Fabio cultivated a more mature and refined sound that laid the groundwork for modern drum & bass. Andy C Starting incredibly young in the early 90s rave scene, Andy C rapidly became one of the most influential and technically gifted DJs in drum & bass. Nicknamed "The Executioner" for his precise and relentless mixing skills, his early rave sets on tape quickly cemented his reputation as a prodigy. Beyond his electrifying DJ performances, he went on to build the hugely successful Ram Records label, which became one of the most respected and innovative imprints in drum & bass. Andy C's relentless touring, technical prowess, and consistent innovation have ensured he remains a top-tier artist and a true legend of the genre. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sasha & John Digweed While their later careers leaned more towards progressive house and trance, Sasha & John Digweed were titans of the electronic music world who built significant parts of their early careers playing at major UK raves. Their famously long, intricate, and journey-like sets (often lasting for hours) were perfectly suited to the tape format, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in their evolving soundscapes. Their tapes from major events like Universe and Renaissance were widely circulated and highly sought after, showcasing their pioneering mixing techniques and track selections that laid the foundation for the progressive sound that would captivate a global audience. What are some of the more valuable rave tapes from the era? Dreamscape X (Get Smashed) ESP Promotions series of Dreamscape tapes were one of the hottest collections in the scene - with a copy of Get Smashed worth more in 2025 that the RRP would imply. | Discogs/ESP Promotions Capturing the essence of a pivotal year in rave, the Dreamscape X (Get Smashed) tape pack from 1994 is a true collector's treasure. Released directly by the iconic Dreamscape promoters, this monumental set comprises 8 mixed cassettes, offering a comprehensive audio journey through one of their legendary events. For enthusiasts, owning this pack is akin to possessing a direct sonic portal back to the heart of a bygone rave, making its highest recorded sale of £49.99 on Discogs a testament to its enduring historical and nostalgic value. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Fantazia - The Showcase Embodying the raw, grassroots spirit of early 90s rave, the Fantazia - The Showcase cassette from 1992 is a fascinating and valuable piece of history. Released as a Limited Edition, Unofficial Release directly by the colossal Fantazia promoter, this single mixed cassette perfectly illustrates the DIY nature of the scene. It captured a moment from a legendary rave, often distributed informally, outside of official channels. This blend of influential promoter, early release date, and its "unofficial" yet "limited" status makes it a highly desirable item for collectors seeking authentic artefacts from the formative years of UK rave. Its highest recorded sale of £49.99 on Discogs reflects its significant rarity and historical weight. Slammin' Vinyl & Dream FM A powerful collaboration captured on tape, the Slammin' Vinyl & Dream FM 8x cassette pack from 1996 is a vivid testament to the vibrant intersection of rave promotion and pirate radio. Released as an Unofficial Release direct from Slammin' Vinyl (a major name in the UK rave circuit), this substantial pack documents crucial mixed sets, likely featuring DJs broadcasting on the iconic Dream FM, a pivotal pirate radio station that was instrumental in spreading rave culture across the airwaves. This collection perfectly embodies the raw, decentralised nature of the scene, showcasing how both promoters and underground radio stations fuelled the tape trade. Its highest recorded sale of £35.00 on Discogs shows its significance as a historical artefact from the heart of the mid-90s rave scene. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Thunderdome XII MC2 (Caught In The Web Of Death) While the UK rave scene forged its own unique identity, the phenomenon of high-energy, underground music documented on tape was very much an international one. The Thunderdome XII MC2 (Caught In The Web Of Death) cassette compilation from 1996 stands as an iconic example from the Netherlands, the undisputed heartland of European hardcore. Released by Arcade, this compilation captures the raw, uncompromising sound that defined the Thunderdome brand, a massive global force in hard dance - reaching a highest recorded sale of £63.07 on Discogs. Where can I listen to some of the tapes online? Thankfully, the digital age has provided an invaluable archive for the rave tape scene, allowing both nostalgic ravers and new enthusiasts to dive into these classic sets. What was once a physical, underground currency is now widely accessible, preserving a vital piece of dance music history. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad YouTube is often the first port of call. Numerous dedicated channels serve as unofficial archives, uploading entire tape packs, individual DJ sets, and full event recordings. Searching for specific promoters (e.g., Dreamscape tapes, Vibealite sets, Fantazia full event) or DJs with old skool rave set yield a wealth of results. A popular platform for DJs, Mixcloud is also a treasure trove for archived rave sets. Many DJs themselves or dedicated fans have uploaded mixed sets, often curated with track-lists, allowing for seamless listening. It's a great place for longer, uninterrupted mixes. But more importantly, several passion projects and fan-run sites are dedicated to preserving and cataloguing old rave sets. These often have comprehensive collections, sometimes even organised by promoter, event, or DJ. You can check out Old Skool Rave Tapes , Rave Tapes or Hardcore Junglism (for jungle/drum & bass specifically), alongside various forums and online communities where members share and discuss rare recordings. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What were your memories of the rave scene and going out clubbing during the late 80s and early 90s, and do you still own any of the clamshell releases talked about in the article? Share your memories by leaving a comment down below - or your recommendations what else new fans to the scene might enjoy.
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Scotsman
Rave tapes: The most valuable cassettes from the 1990s rave scene
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement. Voicemail recordings and lo-fi dubbing - a look back to the world of the '90s rave tape. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Long before Spotify and Soundcloud, cassette tape trading was how many discovered new music. With it came a flood of releases from some of the biggest dance promoters of the '90s - but in a very underground way. Benjamin Jackson looks back at the era of the rave tape, some of the bigger names in the scene and if any of them are worth anything in 2025. Before streaming playlists and instant downloads, how did a generation get their hands on the freshest, most electrifying sounds? Cast your mind back to the late '80s and '90s in the UK, when rave culture exploded, driven not by major labels, but by a humble, clunky format: the rave tape . These weren't just mere recordings. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Instead, they were the lifeline of an underground movement, passed hand-to-hand like sacred scrolls. If you've ever wondered how the acid house revolution spread from secret warehouses to car journeys across the M25 , this is your rewind button. Ahead of both Creamfields 2025 and Tomorrowland taking place this year, let's go back in time to an era where raves were illegal , 'the man' didn't like people having fun, and going to a show sometimes involved calling a mobile and learning where to go by voicemail… … and of course, the cassette tapes and clamshells that frequented glove compartments and cassette decks at the time. Dance music in the early 90s - what led to the start of releasing tapes? Before Spotify or YouTube, ravers would head to independent record stores or buy live tapes of the shows through mail order services - many of which where DIY operations. | Getty Images/Discogs Necessity – basically. The era of rave tapes truly flourished in the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s, a period often referred to as the ' Golden Age of Rave '. It was a time when dance music was exploding across the UK, moving from acid house's underground origins into diverse genres like hardcore, jungle, drum & bass, and happy hardcore . Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The entire rave scene was built on a DIY foundation. Promoters and fans took matters into their own hands, bootlegging sets, photocopying covers, and setting up informal distribution networks, bypassing traditional music industry structures entirely. Some old-school ravers will tell you tales of phoning a mobile number to hear a voicemail message giving directions to the rave. Others will recount just randomly being in an area, only to spot fellow revellers marching to a hidden location where an illegal rave was set to be – sometimes traveling the stretch of the M25 corridor to do so. So naturally, with the nature of raves being somewhat of a 'stain on the moral decency of the United Kingdom' at the time, the commercial aspect wasn't something at the forefront – yet. That would be nearly a decade later when Clubland blew up. Before widespread high-speed internet and digital downloads, and the likes of Alice Deejay, Fragma , Ministry of Sound , and Cream became staples in the UK singles and album charts, there was no easy way to distribute new music or capture live sets. Cassette tapes were the most accessible and affordable medium. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad So instead, in true DIY fashion, promoters would release their own tapes; lovingly put together in either the now iconic clamshells (which would sometimes hold seven to eight tapes featuring an entire night of music), or as one-shot single cassette tapes dedicated to a particular DJ who performed for the promoter's club night. There were two methods fans could get their hands on the music: one was by virtue of dubplates – unique tracks and mixes that would be pressed onto vinyl as one-offs – or the much cheaper option of dubbing a number of cassette tapes off one master recording. As it stood, tapes were one of the few affordable ways to record these often legendary, one-off events and share them with those who couldn't attend or wanted to relive the experience. They have since become vital historical documents of the culture. Tapes also allowed these fresh, cutting-edge sounds to quickly spread across the country, influencing other DJs and producers. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Could they be picked up at HMV or Fopp at the time? Not really – though when the likes of Hixxy released commercial CDs of Bonkers , most of the time mainstream stores like HMV or Fopp were more geared towards chart music and major label releases. Instead, it was more of an underground operation to release these tapes – again, going back to the DIY ethos of the genre. The most common place to buy tapes was directly at the events, often from stalls set up by the promoters themselves or by independent sellers. Key independent record stores, particularly in major cities like London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol, that catered specifically to dance music, imports, and underground genres, were vital hubs. There were also rave fanzines like Eternity or Dream Magazine that would feature adverts for mail-order tape lists. You'd send cash through the post and receive your tapes back. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad For the unscrupulous, though – they'd just dub the tapes and palm them off to friends, which admittedly wasn't ideal. Not because of piracy, but because generations of dubbing these tapes led to a loss of sound quality… which wasn't ideal when the fidelity of the recordings wasn't perfect in the first place. Who were some of the 'main players' releasing tapes at the time? Dreamscape Arguably one of the most iconic and largest promoters in the UK, Dreamscape truly defined the 'super-rave' era. Based primarily in the South East (often in vast venues around Milton Keynes and Bletchley), Dreamscape's multi-arena raves were legendary for their immense scale, intricate production, immersive themes, and consistently stellar lineups. Their events were grand, almost magical spectacles that drew tens of thousands of attendees. Their tape packs, often professionally compiled with distinct, instantly recognisable artwork, meticulously documented every set from their massive events. These collections crucially captured the evolution of rave music from the breakneck intensity of hardcore into the complex rhythms of jungle and drum & bass. Vibealite A huge name in the Midlands rave scene, particularly known for its high-energy hardcore and happy hardcore events. From its core in Nottinghamshire, drawing crowds from across the region including Mansfield and Birmingham, Vibealite forged a distinct identity rooted in fast, anthemic beats and uplifting vocals. Their events were known for their electric atmosphere and dedicated crowds, fostering a strong sense of community. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Vibealite tapes capture the raw intensity of these all-night parties, making them essential for fans of the unique and influential Midlands sound that propelled many DJs to prominence. Fantazia Another enormous promoter, Fantazia carved out its place as a cornerstone of the UK rave scene by hosting truly colossal events across the country, including in the Midlands. Known for pioneering huge, immersive experiences that often included elaborate stage designs and theatrics, Fantazia consistently drew immense crowds. While perhaps less exclusive to the tape-only market than some, their events were meticulously recorded, and Fantazia tapes became hugely popular and widely distributed. These tape packs captured the vibrant atmosphere and diverse sounds of their sprawling parties, offering fans a crucial piece of the energy they experienced live. Fantazia's visually distinctive branding also helped solidify its place as a definitive brand of the early 90s rave explosion. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Helter Skelter, Universe, Slammin' Vinyl These were other major promoters from the M25/South East circuit, representing the pinnacle of the super-rave era. Moving beyond the initial, often illicit, warehouse parties, these giants of the scene regularly hosted colossal, licensed events in vast venues around the M25 corridor and across the South East. They offered multiple arenas catering to a diverse range of dance music genres, from blistering hardcore and intricate jungle to euphoric trance and progressive house. Their tape packs were legendary for their sheer scale, often comprising multi-tape sets that meticulously documented entire nights, showcasing sets from every key DJ and arena. Bonkers While Bonkers did initially host a series of high-energy happy hardcore club nights and events, its most significant and lasting impact was undoubtedly as a hugely successful compilation album series and brand. Emerging in the mid-1990s, Bonkers became the definitive commercial face of Happy Hardcore, a genre characterised by its rapid tempos, uplifting melodies, and often vocal-driven tracks. Curated and mixed by influential DJs like Hixxy and Sharkey, the Bonkers CD compilations achieved phenomenal sales, reaching millions of listeners far beyond the traditional rave circuit. This marked a pivotal moment, transitioning the genre from its underground, tape-distributed roots into mainstream retail outlets. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Bonkers not only brought Happy Hardcore to a much wider audience but also cemented the commercial viability of dance music compilations, making it a household name for a generation. Who were some DJs who featured on the tapes that went on to do bigger things? Many DJs became legends through their sets on these tapes, building huge reputations that propelled them to international stardom or cemented their enduring influence: Carl Cox While he transcended any single genre to become a global techno superstar, Carl Cox was a powerful and unforgettable force in the early rave scene. Known for his legendary three-deck wizardry and incredible, infectious energy behind the decks, his early rave sets on tape showcased his versatility and sheer charisma. Whether dropping hardcore, techno, or house, Cox's sets were renowned for their driving rhythms and an almost spiritual connection with the crowd. His ability to deliver pure exhilaration through his mixing made his tape sets highly sought after, solidifying his reputation as a true master of the craft even before his worldwide fame. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Hixxy Hixxy truly became synonymous with the Bonkers brand, not just as a DJ but as a pivotal figure who helped define the sound of Happy Hardcore. His energetic mixing style, characterized by rapid-fire transitions and an uncanny ability to select the most anthemic tracks, was central to the genre's massive success. Beyond his DJ sets, Hixxy was also a prolific producer, crafting many of the genre's defining tunes. He was instrumental in shaping the accessible, uplifting sound that turned happy hardcore into a mainstream phenomenon, reaching millions through the Bonkers compilations and making him one of the most recognised and beloved names in the genre. Slipmatt (Matthew Nelson) A true pioneer and hugely popular DJ from the hardcore/jungle scene, Slipmatt was a ubiquitous presence on rave tapes throughout the 90s. As a resident at many major raves, including Vibealite and Dreamscape, his high-energy, versatile sets (moving from hardcore into early jungle and then happy hardcore) were constantly in demand on tape. He was known for his seamless mixing and ability to whip a crowd into a frenzy. Beyond his DJing, he was also a key producer and part of the chart-topping group SL2 ('On a Ragga Tip'). Slipmatt's consistent presence and enduring popularity ensured his influence spanned decades, shaping the sound for generations. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Grooverider & Fabio These two visionary DJs were absolutely pivotal in shaping the sound of jungle and drum & bass, particularly from their base in London. Their legendary 'Rage' club night at Heaven became a crucible for the new sound, transitioning from hardcore breaks into the darker, more intricate rhythms of what would become jungle. Their recorded sets from 'Rage' and other key events were essential listening on tape, establishing them as tastemakers and long-standing figureheads of the genre. Known for their sophisticated track selection, deep basslines, and seamless, extended mixes, Grooverider and Fabio cultivated a more mature and refined sound that laid the groundwork for modern drum & bass. Andy C Starting incredibly young in the early 90s rave scene, Andy C rapidly became one of the most influential and technically gifted DJs in drum & bass. Nicknamed "The Executioner" for his precise and relentless mixing skills, his early rave sets on tape quickly cemented his reputation as a prodigy. Beyond his electrifying DJ performances, he went on to build the hugely successful Ram Records label, which became one of the most respected and innovative imprints in drum & bass. Andy C's relentless touring, technical prowess, and consistent innovation have ensured he remains a top-tier artist and a true legend of the genre. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Sasha & John Digweed While their later careers leaned more towards progressive house and trance, Sasha & John Digweed were titans of the electronic music world who built significant parts of their early careers playing at major UK raves. Their famously long, intricate, and journey-like sets (often lasting for hours) were perfectly suited to the tape format, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in their evolving soundscapes. Their tapes from major events like Universe and Renaissance were widely circulated and highly sought after, showcasing their pioneering mixing techniques and track selections that laid the foundation for the progressive sound that would captivate a global audience. What are some of the more valuable rave tapes from the era? Dreamscape X (Get Smashed) ESP Promotions series of Dreamscape tapes were one of the hottest collections in the scene - with a copy of Get Smashed worth more in 2025 that the RRP would imply. | Discogs/ESP Promotions Capturing the essence of a pivotal year in rave, the Dreamscape X (Get Smashed) tape pack from 1994 is a true collector's treasure. Released directly by the iconic Dreamscape promoters, this monumental set comprises 8 mixed cassettes, offering a comprehensive audio journey through one of their legendary events. For enthusiasts, owning this pack is akin to possessing a direct sonic portal back to the heart of a bygone rave, making its highest recorded sale of £49.99 on Discogs a testament to its enduring historical and nostalgic value. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Fantazia - The Showcase Embodying the raw, grassroots spirit of early 90s rave, the Fantazia - The Showcase cassette from 1992 is a fascinating and valuable piece of history. Released as a Limited Edition, Unofficial Release directly by the colossal Fantazia promoter, this single mixed cassette perfectly illustrates the DIY nature of the scene. It captured a moment from a legendary rave, often distributed informally, outside of official channels. This blend of influential promoter, early release date, and its "unofficial" yet "limited" status makes it a highly desirable item for collectors seeking authentic artefacts from the formative years of UK rave. Its highest recorded sale of £49.99 on Discogs reflects its significant rarity and historical weight. Slammin' Vinyl & Dream FM A powerful collaboration captured on tape, the Slammin' Vinyl & Dream FM 8x cassette pack from 1996 is a vivid testament to the vibrant intersection of rave promotion and pirate radio. Released as an Unofficial Release direct from Slammin' Vinyl (a major name in the UK rave circuit), this substantial pack documents crucial mixed sets, likely featuring DJs broadcasting on the iconic Dream FM, a pivotal pirate radio station that was instrumental in spreading rave culture across the airwaves. This collection perfectly embodies the raw, decentralised nature of the scene, showcasing how both promoters and underground radio stations fuelled the tape trade. Its highest recorded sale of £35.00 on Discogs shows its significance as a historical artefact from the heart of the mid-90s rave scene. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Thunderdome XII MC2 (Caught In The Web Of Death) While the UK rave scene forged its own unique identity, the phenomenon of high-energy, underground music documented on tape was very much an international one. The Thunderdome XII MC2 (Caught In The Web Of Death) cassette compilation from 1996 stands as an iconic example from the Netherlands, the undisputed heartland of European hardcore. Released by Arcade, this compilation captures the raw, uncompromising sound that defined the Thunderdome brand, a massive global force in hard dance - reaching a highest recorded sale of £63.07 on Discogs. Where can I listen to some of the tapes online? Thankfully, the digital age has provided an invaluable archive for the rave tape scene, allowing both nostalgic ravers and new enthusiasts to dive into these classic sets. What was once a physical, underground currency is now widely accessible, preserving a vital piece of dance music history. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad YouTube is often the first port of call. Numerous dedicated channels serve as unofficial archives, uploading entire tape packs, individual DJ sets, and full event recordings. Searching for specific promoters (e.g., Dreamscape tapes, Vibealite sets, Fantazia full event) or DJs with old skool rave set yield a wealth of results. A popular platform for DJs, Mixcloud is also a treasure trove for archived rave sets. Many DJs themselves or dedicated fans have uploaded mixed sets, often curated with track-lists, allowing for seamless listening. It's a great place for longer, uninterrupted mixes. But more importantly, several passion projects and fan-run sites are dedicated to preserving and cataloguing old rave sets. These often have comprehensive collections, sometimes even organised by promoter, event, or DJ. You can check out Old Skool Rave Tapes , Rave Tapes or Hardcore Junglism (for jungle/drum & bass specifically), alongside various forums and online communities where members share and discuss rare recordings. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Daily Mirror
31-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
The Simpsons composer who wrote show's music for 27 years dies
Alf Clausen, the Emmy-winning composer who scored "The Simpsons" for 27 years, has tragically died after struggling with Parkinson's Disease for about a decade Alf Clausen, an Emmy-winning composer celebrated for orchestrating the mischievous backdrop tunes that defined 'The Simpsons ' for 27 years, has passed away. According to his daughter Kaarin Clausen, who spoke to The Associated Press, Alf Clausen died on Thursday at his Los Angeles residence following a prolonged battle with Parkinson's Disease that spanned roughly ten years; he was 84. Clausen, whose credits include scoring other TV series such as "Moonlighting" and "Alf" (to which he would often quip "no relation,"), garnered an impressive 30 Emmy Award nominations during his career, 21 of those for his work on "The Simpsons," bagging two wins. Al Jean, a longstanding writer on The Simpsons since the early days and a prominent creative force in the show during the 1990s, expressed on X Friday, "Clausen was an incredibly talented man who did so much for The Simpsons." While Danny Elfman is the mastermind behind the iconic theme tune, Clausen came aboard Matt Groening's Fox animated series in 1990, and went on to compose close to 600 pieces, driving the 35-piece orchestra in-studio to bring them to life until 2017. His colleagues always praised his compositions as vital to the series' comedic charm, yet Clausen had a firm belief that the best way to enhance the hilarity of Homer, Marge, Bart, and Lisa's capers was by playing it straight with the music, reports the Mirror US. Matt Groening, in an interview back in 1996, commended Clausen as "one of the unacknowledged treasures of the show." Hailing from Minneapolis and brought up in Jamestown, North Dakota, Clausen's musical journey led him to graduate from Berklee College of Music in 1966 before venturing to Los Angeles with aspirations of forging a music career. Throughout the '70s, he served as a musical director on numerous TV variety shows including "Donny and Marie." Later, he worked with composer Lee Holdridge as an orchestrator on scores for 1980s films such as "Splash" and "The Beastmaster." When "Moonlighting," the charming detective series from ABC featuring Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd came along in the late '80s, it was Lee Holdridge who landed the composing role initially but eventually handed it over to Clausen, earning him six Emmy nods for his compositions. Notably, Clausen bagged two Emmys for his work on "The Simpsons" in 1997 and 1998, in addition to securing five Annie Awards valuable within the realm of animated television and film. His departure from "The Simpsons" in 2017 was due to budget cuts, prompting dismay among his collaborators and fans alike; Clausen took legal action against the dismissal. Clausen's legacy endures through his beloved wife Sally, their children Kaarin, Scott, and Kyle, stepchildren Josh and Emily, along with eleven grandchildren.
