Junglist
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Junglist is a slang term referring to a dedicated listener of jungle known also as drum and bass. Tracks from this genre often contain calls and references to "original junglists", "jungle soldiers" and "junglist krus" (pronounced /kru:z/). The term itself is connected with the origin of the name jungle, see relevant articles on history of drum and bass and jungle.
Junglists also like to refer to themselves as "rude bwoys" a slang term used by Jamaicans meaning "gangsta" or "badbwoy" ("bad boy"). Certain tracks make references to the "original rudebwoys" as denoting particularly respected junglists.
Junglists are often associated with heavy marijuana usage ("smokin' da herb", a popular jungle motif), baggy camouflage clothing (cargo pants) and sweatshirts ("hoodies"), somewhat similar to hip hop and gangsta fashions.
Modern drum and bass culture however has very little criminal, violence, weapons or bling nostalgia. Misogyny does not figure at all in track vocals, if vocals are even present. Drug dealing is also rarely mentioned in drum and bass tracks, but several MCs do feature cannabis dealing heavily in their lyrics. The only generally accepted illegal activity is cannabis possession and distribution, perhaps arising from the reggae roots of jungle or from the acid house and hardcore scene that preceded drum and bass.
Many junglists take pride in their belonging to what is seen as a predominantly UK based drum and bass subculture. As a subculture though it is not nearly as distinct as goth or punk to the untrained eye. Members can often distinguish each other just from mannerisms and fashion without hearing their choice of music.
Ali G could be seen as a parody junglist (i.e. dressing in camouflage and listening to loud drum & bass music in his car, i.e. General Levy's "Incredible" as played in the Ali G feature film and appearing on its soundtrack), though he can also be treated as a parody hip-hop listener, unsurprising in light of the similar clothing fashions and speech patterns.
