Drum and Bass legend Ray Keith brings Dread to London

SEMINAL Drum and Bass DJ, Producer and label boss Ray Keith prepares to mark a momentous occasion as his label Dread Recording turns 30 this year.

After kicking off celebratory proceedings with a hugely successful event at Bristol’s Central Warehouse in March, Keith and Dread now head to London’s leading Bass music venue, XOYO, for another round on Friday, 21st June.

At the capital’s most sought-after bass music stronghold, XOYO, Dread Recordings and its frontman Ray Keith, prepare to welcome a generous list of friends and family, with DJs, Producers and MCs that have all played their part in making the label one of Drum and Bass music’s most respected stables. DJs on the night include SS, who is going back-to-back with Ray Keith for a special ‘30 Years of Dread & Formation Exclusive Dubplate Set’, Bryan Gee, DJ Rap, Critical Impact B2B T>I, V Dubz, Fleck B2B Conrad Subs, Lo Selecta, and Abi Clark, whilst MCs Ragga Twins, Moose, Juiceman and Enamie will keep the crowd hyped to the max from start to finish. 

We caught up with Ray Keith this week and he talked us through a playlist featuring some of his own huge productions.

Ray Keith – Chopper (Ray Keith Dirty Chopper Remix)

There was also the Shy FX mix. Shy’s version was more for the dance floor, and mine was more of an underground thing. Probably one of the biggest tunes that I’m known for.

Cloud 9 – You Got Me Burnin (Ray Keith & Nookie Remix)

The classic match made in heaven. An iconic tune that’s stood the test of time in terms of jungle. It’s got the essence of rave with the 4 x 4 beat but then the amen brings the underground jungle rhythm. A transition into something new.

Ray Keith – Dark Soldier (Back in the Day)

I decided to put this one on because it’s a track that’s a proper ghetto, working class track. I’ve been blessed to be a leader, not a follower, and this is one of the earliest blueprints of DNB.

Ray Keith – Renegade (TI Minimal VIP)

Renegade is one of my signature tracks, made 30 years ago. I own the master recording, so to celebrate I asked TI to remix. He put his minimal take on it and it went immediately viral with 50-60,000 hits. Wicked to get a new lease of life for such an old track.

Ray Keith – Amnesia

From the Birdman album and a lockdown hit. I won an award for best radio show during that time and I feel this one helped people keep going through the pandemic.

Ray Keith – Rare Groove

This one must be 25 years old. LTJ Bukem was one of the first to play it, and again it’s showcasing my more soulful side.

Ray Keith – Stardust

Also culled from the Prophecy album. I’m known for making bangers but I’m an old soul and jazz man and this was an opportunity to express that side of my musical tastes.

Ray Keith – Dark Forces ft DRS

This one is taken from my Prophecy album from 2022. What a wonderful opportunity to work with one of the most highly acclaimed, legendary MCs from our DNB scene.

Ray Keith – Do It

One of my V Recordings classics that came out as a single. It’s 30 years of Dread and 30 years of V this year, so worth celebrating.

Ray Keith – Paradise

This one’s taken from my album The Birdman from 2023. It’s a cover of an old 80s tune with E-Lisa on the vocals – I picked this because the crowd always love it – it’s a proper singalong tune.