Lexicon Issue 006 - Jedi Records

When the word ‘Jedi’ penetrates the inner ear, or appears on the lens of a working eye, one may reminisce about Stars Wars films. I am here to break the barriers of sci-fi and blast Jedi Records into the minds of all who stumble upon the word Jedi ever again.

Jedi Records, the second drum & bass label in Canada, was created in 1996 by Canadians Zach Ledoux (Dynasty) and Chris Mckee (DJ Ra). At the moment, Jedi Records is becoming a massive force in both the underground and commercial drum & bass scene. With the inclusion and incorporation of A.W.O.L events for Canada, many Canadians experienced drum & bass artists whom the UK was seemingly hiding - Grooverider, DJ Rap, Marley Marl, and more. Furthermore, A.W.O.L Canada and Jedi Records have assisted in the career launch for inland artists such as Slip & Slide, Illfingas, D-Region and MC P, providing more ground shaking popularity for Canada’s drum & bass scene, and also providing world wide recognition for Canadian artists/deejays.

Having already released three ultimately exciting releases in 2002, one may think the crew behind Jedi Records are wearing themselves out. Not even close. Jedi Records next planned release, ‘Ain't No Shame’ by DJ Phoenix, is expected to turn heads and destroy all competition without breaking a sweat. With graceful vocals by Melkey Sedeck, the younger sister of Wyclef Jean, and excellent production by DJ Phoenix, ‘Ain't No Shame’ is destined to be an overnight success. Promotional copies have already been included in rotation of many of Canada's finest deejays including: Slip & Slide, Freaky Flow, D-Region, Illfingas and Everfresh.

What does Jedi Records and the transatlantic A.W.O.L syndicate mean to Canada? It gives Canadians the recognition and respect that the UK has pretty much dominated as far as drum & bass is concerned. The UK has always been a leader in that genre, but now it seems as though the North Americans and Europeans can share the stage peacefully while hearing the best of drum & bass. It also expands the horizons of all Canadians who were unaware of drum & bass and who may also be the same people who are now in love with it.

The Canadian drum & bass scene is moving in the right direction, and everything seems to be moving smoother than an calm ocean on a sunny afternoon right now. Jedi Records seems to have become a leader, if not pioneer in the Canadian drum & bass scene, as they seem to be making all the right moves, at the right time. Don’t be surprised if the Canadian superstars of Jedi Records release countless hit after hit - for 2002 is the year of Jedi Records.

Don’t forget you can still catch D-Region’s ‘Call Sign’ b/w Illfingas ‘Depth Charge; also Illfingas ‘Tonight’ & ‘Green Destiny’ and ‘Telling Me’ & ‘In The Streets’ as well the forthcoming collaboration between DJ Phoenix and Melkey Sedeck ‘Ain’t No Shame’ real soon.