Jungle Brothers

Jungle Brothers

Jungle Brothers are a New York hip hop group active since 1987. The group comprises Afrika Baby Bam, Mike G and DJ Sammy B, and is associated with the Native Tongues collective. They are generally identified with east coast hip hop and hip hop, and are credited with helping pioneer a fusion of jazz and hip-hop.

Early years and debut

The group begins performing in the mid-1980s and releases its first album, Straight Out the Jungle, in 1988. That record appears on an independent label and includes the hip hop and house collaboration “I’ll House You”, produced by Todd Terry. Although the album does not achieve major commercial success, it establishes the group’s Afrocentric lyrics and innovative production approach.

Native Tongues and Warner Brothers period

After the debut, Jungle Brothers join the influential Native Tongues Posse. Warner Brothers Records signs the group and issues Done By the Forces of Nature in 1989. The album is well regarded critically, and the group’s place within the Native Tongues movement links it to a wider wave of alternative, jazz-inflected hip hop.

Later releases and collaborations

Following a four-year break, Jungle Brothers return in 1993 with J Beez Wit the Remedy. Later they release V.I.P., which is produced by Alex Gifford of Propellerheads. During that period they also contribute vocals to the Propellerheads tracks “Take California (And Party)” and “You Want It Back”. In 2002 they release All That We Do.

Compilations and label activity

In 2005, the group releases This Is…, a double-CD collection of greatest hits and classic remixes and rarities. The set includes remixes by The Wiseguys, Urban Takeover, Natural Born Chillers and Stereo MCs. Jungle Brother Records is listed among the group’s labels.

Members

The group is made up of Michael Small, known as Mike Gee or Mike G, Nathaniel Hall, known as Afrika Baby Bam, and Sammy Burwell, known as DJ Sammy B.